PhD Student Profile

pro-120x120-Susanna-Mitchell

Susanna Mitchell

PhD Student

School: School of Law, Criminal Justice and Computing

Campus: Canterbury


Profile summary

I joined Christ Church in October 2015 following a ten-year career as a prosecutor for the CPS. I specialised as a rape and serious sexual offences lawyer, and as such developed a keen interest in looking at how vulnerable victims can best be supported through the criminal justice system. 

Research topic

The process of giving evidence for child victims of sexual abuse. 

Research outline

My PhD research focuses on the process of giving evidence for child victims of sexual abuse, and whether potential improvements from the perspective of the victim can meet the requirements of the legal system. I am also currently part of a research team looking at the use of therapy dogs as a support for vulnerable witnesses at court.  

Supervisory team

Research outputs

The research is aiming to analyse the process of giving evidence for child victims of sexual abuse and to identify any strengths/weaknesses/ways it could be improved through the eyes of the child. A comparison will be made with the professional perspective of the process (including inter-professional comparisons) and an analysis of whether any identified improvements could fit into the constraints of the legal system.   

 

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Last edited: 15/12/2018 11:08:00