Seminar 2: Justice Work – Sisters (having to) do it for themselves

Scotland’s record of accomplishment in tackling issues such as stalking and coercive control has been identified as an exemplar. However, it is important to recognise that the Scottish Criminal Justice System (SCJS) is not designed inherently, to meet the needs of those victimised. This research explored whether the SCJS facilitates the empowerment of the victims who access its support or exacerbates their disempowerment.

The theme of ‘Justice Work’ was identified as a significant and common experience for the majority of participants. Women described the significant amount of practical, bureaucratic, and emotional work that they had to do to keep their cases ‘live’ e.g. conducting their own investigations and gathering evidence, keeping detailed records, and maintaining the visibility of their case within the system. Furthermore, women felt they must manage their communications and behaviour to maintain a sympathetic response from professionals in an effort to keep their case ‘worthy’ of continued investigation. Although in moderation, conducting practical elements of the ‘justice work’ was empowering for some, more often it was experienced as disempowering as women had no choice but to do the work if they wanted their case to progress.

Nancy Lombard is a Professor in Sociology and Social Policy. Her research findings have led to policy change and investment in gender equality programmes across health, education and the voluntary sector.   Most recently Nancy has completed work funded by the Scottish Government exploring women’s experiences of the criminal justice system when reporting domestic abuse and stalking. With the Scottish Sentencing Council, she is investigating victim-survivor perspectives on the sentencing of domestic abuse offenders.  Nancy currently co-leads a large Horizon 2020 project across nine countries in Europe looking at Innovative Solutions to Eliminate Domestic Abuse.   

If you would like to attend this free online event, please follow the link to our online shop below to book a place.

Centre for Gender and Violence Research Seminar 14/12/2023 | University of Bristol Online Shop

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