Renard Group / Outcry Witness: Giving Voice to Survivors, Anonymously and Safely

Supporting Survivors Without Barriers

In 2022/2023, CEO of Renard Group, Andreea Groenendijk-Deveau began mapping out a deeply human innovation. A recurring issue among sexual assault survivors had become clear: many needed a safe, judgment-free space to privately document what happened to them - without pressure or the risk of being retraumatised.

Building Trust Through Anonymity and Evidence-Informed Design

This gap in support inspired Outcry Witness (OW) - a trauma-informed, fully anonymous digital platform. Survivors answer a series of carefully designed prompts - in their own time, as the document autosaves and never expires - and, when ready, they can download their responses as a PDF document. No personal data is collected. The mission is radical in its simplicity: to give survivors control over their own narrative - whether or not they ever choose to share it.

The idea began as a project within the Renard Group and is now a standalone not-for-profit CIC (Community Interest Company). Five people have been involved since the start, including volunteers and part-time contributors in social media and coding. The plan is to build toward a full-time team and permanent premises.

Collaborating with Brunel University London: Academic Rigour Meets Survivor-Centred Innovation

Through the RIEm Programme, Andreea accessed not just funding but a vital ecosystem of mentors, researchers and like-minded innovators. “Someone in my ecosystem introduced me to Michael Joseph at Brunel and I quickly saw the value of joining,” she recalls.

Renard Group, already working with charities and operating on affordable fee structures, qualified as a social impact-led SME under the programme’s criteria. Once accepted, Andreea took part in RIEm’s hybrid learning model - attending campus twice a month, receiving structured feedback and building her projects in a supported, strategic way. “The feedback was specific, constructive and gave me exactly what I needed. It helped me build with confidence.”

Academic collaboration followed quickly. Brunel’s Life Sciences Department led a research study with approximately 30 participants over two to three months, funded entirely by the university. The findings helped refine Outcry Witness’s user journey and validated its potential as a therapeutic tool. 

A Safe Space, Already Changing Lives

Users of the platform reported that completing the questions helps them remember details and feel more in control. “It’s very powerful,” says Andreea. “Even if it’s never shared, the act of writing it down matters.” Importantly, the site does not track or store any user data. It is built for privacy, with security at its core. For some users, it’s a therapeutic first step. For others, it could help start the process of seeking justice. Beyond the platform, Andreea is actively collaborating with Brunel’s College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences to apply for additional funding.

Looking Ahead: From Private Healing to Policy Change

The next phase for Outcry Witness includes:

•  Expanding to international users
•  Localising the tool for various legal systems
•  Securing CSR investment and public grant funding
• Partnering with law enforcement, charities, and public health services

“We’re not here to replace the justice system,” Andreea says. “We’re here to support people in the moment they’re ready to speak. Even if no one hears it but them - that’s power. That’s healing.”

RIEm Programme Reflections: A Lasting Relationship—and a Launchpad

For Andreea, the RIEm Programme was more than a business accelerator. It was the gateway to a whole new network of resources. “Brunel is host to many people who genuinely care,” she says. "I built real relationships that are still growing today.”

The Innovate UK session within RIEm was also a highlight: “It was one of the best presentations I’ve attended—clear, specific and transparent. It helped me understand how to build a successful application.”

And her advice to others?

“Do it. RIEm opened the door to so much more than I expected. I’m living proof that Brunel’s support doesn’t end with the programme - it’s a lasting, invested partnership.”