Dr Harvey and Dr Oliver’s research is guided by two key passions. The first is a strong and ongoing focus on Violence Against Women and Girls. The second centres on critical reflection in practice – particularly how practitioners can reflect in meaningful, creative ways.
One of the more creative strands of this work has involved using poetry, specifically haikus, as a tool for reflection. Rather than relying solely on traditional written reflection, they explored how the discipline and simplicity of haiku writing can help capture emotional responses, professional dilemmas, and moments of insight in practice. This approach is explored in more detail in their published work: The use of poetry in form of haikus as a tool for critical reflection.
As part of both their professional development and research journey, Dr Harvey and Dr Oliver began writing haikus based on their experiences of co‑facilitating the Phoenix Programme in Bournemouth – a group programme for women who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse. Writing these haikus became a way to pause, process, and reflect on the complexity of the work, the emotions in the room, and their own roles as facilitators.
Below, we’ve shared a small selection of haikus drawn from their practice, offering brief but powerful snapshots of the realities of this work.
