Coming from a background where going to University was unusual, I am committed to the personal and community level transformatory nature of education and also to ensuring we continue to challenge the ways in which power is used and wielded to marginalise some people and groups rather than for the benefit of all.
I am a Senior Lecturer in Criminology (but also teach on Sociology modules) and I am Course Leader for Postgraduate Criminology Courses. My specialist interests include sexual violence; violence against women and girls; victim/survivor knowledge; policy and practice development and grassroots work.
I am passionate about how bottom-up initiatives change the world and how theory and practice link together. I have a substantial history in activism, policy and practice development and delivering community building and life-changing projects as well as teaching and research. I convene the Sexual Violence Research Group which is a student and staff collaboration to deliver high-quality research to organisations on sexual violence issues.
University of Gloucestershire Outstanding Contribution Through Volunteering 2017 & 2018
Oxford University Women’s Campaign "Woman of the Year" 2010
Fellow of HEA
British Sociological Association
British Criminology Society
Feminist and Women’s Studies Association
Higher Education Academy
Society of Evidence Based Policing
My philosophy of learning is that it should be transformatory for the individual and for our communities. My focus is on participatory, student centred and student-led learning which enables us to share knowledges and to develop a sense of our personal ability to make change, either of ourselves, our communities or more widely. My teaching areas are Sexual Violence; Feminism in theory and in action; Criminological and Sociological Theory; Injustice; Social Harms; Research Methods and Liberation campaigns.
My research largely focuses on sexual violence and on grassroots exchange. I have established the Sexual Violence Research Group in the University which enables staff and students to work together on commissioned sexual violence research projects.
Chair for Remembering Srebrenica South West and member of National Board
Co-Chair and Trustee for Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
Media Engagement work including Radio, TV and documentaries
Sexual Violence
Feminism
Domestic Abuse
Child Sexual Exploitation
Inequality
Activism and Protest
Co-convenor of the British Sociological Association Violence Against Women Study Group