Tell us about yourself

I am an Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Leeds. I am also the Vice President of the British Society of Criminology and Visiting Fellow at the University of Fraser Valley, Canada.

Since 2015, my research has primarily focused on violence against women and girls, in particular policing, criminal and family justice responses to domestic abuse.

Achieving real-world impact is central to my approach to research, and my research has influenced national and international policy and informed the development of police and partner agency training.

Notable examples of my research include:

• Leading three projects funded by the N8PRP and British Academy exploring police responses to coercive control since it was criminalised in 2015. These projects involved partnering with three police forces in England.
• Leading the first project internationally to explore victim-survivors experiences of Clare’s Law/ Domestic Violence Disclosure Schemes.
• Leading a national evaluation of the Pathfinder Integrated Domestic Abuse Courts, funded by the Ministry of Justice.
• Part of the evaluation team for the Home Office evaluation of interventions for children affected by domestic abuse.
• Part of the research team for “Project Bright Light”, using the principles of Operation Soteria to explore police responses to domestic abuse.

Why did you want to become a Research Affiliate?

I was keen to expand existing connections and networks with those already involved in the Vulnerability and Policing Futures Research Centre. I was also keen to keep up to date with the wealth of activity that the Centre is engaged in, including attending and participating in events. I also hope to be able to disseminate my research briefings and publications via the Centre too.

How does your research connect to the Centre’s mission and values?

The Centre’s aim to improve police responses and outcomes for vulnerable people through research speaks strongly to the research I have conducted since starting my PhD in 2010. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to developing new evidence which centres the experience of victim-survivors of violence and abuse. I am also passionate about co-developing knowledge and research with police forces, partner agencies and other key policy makers to maximise the collaboration and impact potential of my research, which speaks strongly to the values of the Centre.