New research that examines the relationship between survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) recovery and their experiences participating in martial arts has received funding from the latest Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Research Awards Programme.

The study ‘How does women’s participation in martial arts influence their recovery journeys from gender-based violence?’, is being undertaken by University of the West of Scotland (UWS) academics, Dr Chloe Maclean and Dr Rebecca Gordon to an explore an unresearched connection between gender-based violence and physical activity.

Violence against women and girls has been described by the World Health Organisation as a ‘global problem of pandemic proportions’. In Scotland 1 in 5 women have experienced domestic abuse and 6% have experienced rape or attempted rape. 

The research brings together Dr Gordon’s previous research on gender-based violence, and Dr Maclean’s research on gender and the body in martial arts, to explore how women’s participation in martial arts influences their recovery from GBV. Interviews will be conducted with women who are martial artist GBV survivors in Scotland using art to explore their experiences. These will then be used to co-create an exhibition at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, George Street, Edinburgh during the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from Tuesday 2 until Thursday 4 of December 2025.

The study aims to address gaps in academic understandings of the role of physical activity, specifically martial arts, in recovery from GBV and will inform the practice of martial arts governing bodies and women’s organisations in Scotland.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the RSE funding, which will allow us to carry out this research. We know gender-based violence impacts millions of women globally and thousands of women in Scotland. Trauma from abuse can be woven into the body in ways that limit survivors' use of, and relationship with, their body. Sport scholars have proven that physical activity is a means of recovering positive relationships with the body, however, GBV survivors are noticeably absent in this research. This study will allow us to answer questions around how women’s participation in martial arts influences their recovery journey from GBV, how it impacts survivors’ sense of self, survivors’ use of, and relationship with, their body post-violence and any barriers to recovery that survivors experience in their martial arts practice.”
Dr Chloe Maclean , UWS

The RSE’s Research Awards Programme runs twice a year in spring and autumn. It aims to support Scotland’s research sector by nurturing promising talent, stimulating research in Scotland, and promoting international collaboration. This most recent programme funding amounts to £686,500.

This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being and SDG 5: Gender Equality.