Current Research

The members of the Justice & Society Research Centre are involved in a number of research projects and initiatives. See below for completed projects; some of the specific projects our members are currently working on include:

Desistance Following Imprisonment Abroad Research Project

The DIA research project is a collaboration between the Institute of Criminology and Prisoners Abroad. The main aim of the project is to understand better the challenges of resettling in Britain after being imprisoned abroad,and including people’s experiences of desistance from crime. More information can be found here.

Women Working to Support Women in the Welfare Sphere: Psychosocial Challenges

In partnership with the University of Glasgow, Prof. Loraine Gelsthorpe and Dr. Joana Ferreira are examining the impacts upon women workers in the third sector of working with isolated, marginalised and disadvantaged women (vicarious trauma included). Funded by the Nuffield Foundation, more information can be found here.

Understanding Probation Regions: Accountability, Devolution and Power in Transition

Dr. Lucy Willmott and Dr. Jane Dominey, supported by a British Academy Small Grant.

Sexual Agency and Victimisation: A Postcolonial Feminist Analysis of Rape Trials

Dr. Arushi Garg is producing the first book-length academic study of the extensive rape law reform that was introduced in India from 2013 onwards. On contract with the Oxford University Press Clarendon Studies in Criminology.

Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Inequality in Youth Justice

Dr. Caroline Lanskey and Professor Yannick van den Brink (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam). A comparative study of youth justice decision making in England & Wales and the Netherlands.

Inspiring Futures

Led by Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe, Dr Caroline Lanskey & Dr Sarah Doxat-Pratt, and in partnership with the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance, Inspiring Futures is an evaluation of the meaning and impact of arts programmes in criminal justice settings. Funded by the ESRC; more information can be found here.