Dr. Levell has always worked in the Gender-Based Violence field. She has extensive front-line experience in a range of roles supporting survivors of gender-based violence and abuse. She has worked on projects supporting women involved in prostitution, including harm minimization and court diversion schemes (Catch 22 and Toynbee Hall), and has also supported women and children in refuges and rape crisis centers (Solace Women's Aid and Aberdeen Rape Crisis). She spent several years coordinating a strategic partnership around domestic violence, children, and health in West London (Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse). Additionally, she served as a trustee for two charities; Southampton Women's Aid (2016-2019) and Working With Perpetrators European Network (WWPEN) (2021-2024). Dr. Levell’s research and feminist praxis are deeply informed by her work with vulnerable and marginalized groups, as well as her personal experience of domestic violence/abuse and adversity in childhood. Her dedication to making a positive impact on children who have endured similar experiences earned her recognition as a finalist for the Women’s Aid/Marie Claire/Avon “Empowering Women” Awards in 2013.

Dr Levell holds an undergraduate MA(Hons) in Anthropology and Gender Studies from the University of Aberdeen, a postgraduate MA in Gender Studies from the School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and a PhD from the Open University. 

Dr Levell joined the University of Bristol in 2021, following previous lecturing roles at Bournemouth University and the University of Southampton. 

Dr Levell's research has been recommended by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales. She has been invited to speak at the Women and Equalities Select Commitee in the UK Parliament (2024) and has been an invited speaker to the Swedish Parliament (2024).