Dr Levell is Head of the Centre for Gender and Violence Research (CGVR) and has worked throughout her career in the field of gender-based violence, combining academic research with extensive frontline experience. She has supported survivors across a range of settings, including projects with women involved in prostitution, harm-minimisation and court-diversion schemes (Catch22 and Toynbee Hall), women’s refuges and rape crisis services (Solace Women’s Aid and Aberdeen Rape Crisis). She also spent several years coordinating a strategic partnership focused on domestic violence, children and health in West London with Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse.

Dr Levell has held charity governance roles, serving as a trustee of Southampton Women’s Aid (2016–2019) and the Working With Perpetrators European Network (2021–2024).

She holds an MA (Hons) in Anthropology and Gender Studies from the University of Aberdeen, an MA in Gender Studies from SOAS, University of London, and a PhD from the Open University.

Her research has been recommended by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales and has contributed to national and international policy conversations. In 2024, she was invited to give evidence to the Women and Equalities Select Committee in the UK Parliament and was an invited speaker at the Swedish Parliament.
Alongside this work, Dr Levell has held charity governance roles, serving as a trustee of Southampton Women’s Aid (2016–2019) and the Working With Perpetrators European Network (2021–2024).