Ethical Issues Involved in Conducting Research with Victimized Children – A Literature Review of Existing Literature

Research involving victimized children presents several distinct ethical challenges due to their dual vulnerability as minors and victims of violence. This review of 32 studies synthesized current knowledge on ethical issues in such research and identified three themes: (1) The children – passive or active agents, emphasizing both competence and vulnerability; (2) The researcher and the research process, highlighting responsibility for safety, ethical integrity, and sensitivity; and (3) General guidelines and standards, emphasizing the role of ethical guidelines, review boards, and methodological frameworks. While children are often considered vulnerable, studies stress the importance of recognizing them as competent agents, with participation sometimes offering empowering and positive experiences. Researchers hold primary responsibility for minimizing risks, ensuring competence, and maintaining ongoing consent processes. Ethical review boards play a central role in protection while enabling ethically complex studies to proceed. Policies must also adapt to avoid excluding children with experiences of violence from research. Ultimately, ethical research requires balancing protection and agency while safeguarding children’s voices.