How Does Media Representations of Domestic Abuse Victims Impact Public Perception and Reporting Behaviours in the UK over the Last Twenty Years?

By Simona Cerkauskaite,

London Metropolitan University.

Media representation of domestic abuse victims in the UK has evolved from sensationalism and victim-blaming to more nuanced portrayals, impacting public perception and reporting behaviours. This thesis investigates the evolving landscape of media representation of domestic abuse victims and its consequential impact on public perception and reporting behaviours in the UK over the past two decades. Through a comprehensive examination of media portrayals spanning various platforms, including news articles, television programs, and social media, this study aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between media depiction of domestic abuse victims and the attitudes and behaviours of the public. Moreover, it seeks to uncover the ways in which media representations have shaped societal understanding and responses to domestic abuse. More so, by utilising a mixed-methods approach, encompassing both secondary qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study conducts a thorough literature review to synthesise existing knowledge and identify key trends and patterns in media representation. Additionally, qualitative analysis of media content offers insights into the nuances of portrayal, while quantitative data analysis provides statistical validation and broader context to the findings. The selected methods were chosen as the most appropriate for addressing the main question due to their complementary nature and ability to provide a holistic understanding of media representation of domestic abuse victims. The key findings of this thesis concluded the relationship between media portrayal of domestic abuse victims and its impact on public perception and reporting behaviours in the UK over the last two decades. Furthermore, while progress has been made towards more empowering representations, harmful stereotypes and victim-blaming narratives persist in media coverage. Collaborative efforts among media professionals, policymakers, researchers, and survivor advocates are essential to address systemic issues and promote responsible reporting practices, survivor centred narratives, and challenge harmful stereotypes. These efforts aim to create a media landscape that supports survivors and contributes to broader efforts to end domestic abuse.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13866948

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Morbid Curiosity or Something Else? A Quantitative Study Exploring Criminology Students’ Perceptions of Serial Killers.

By Sarah Rogers,

London Metropolitan University.

This research paper examines UK criminology students' perceived interest in serial killers and aims to provide an answer to the question: Morbid curiosity, or something more? The participants were all criminology students who were studying for a dual degree or a single degree at London Metropolitan University and were over the age of 18 at the time of the study. The method used for this research project was a quantitative, survey-based approach with some qualitative questions. The sample for this research was small in scale as there were only a limited number of responses completed (12). The responses were majority female (83.3%) with a small sample of male participants (16.7%). The drawback to this was that there was not an equal sample of respondents. The results confirm that criminology students studying at London Metropolitan University in the UK are indeed interested in serial killers. The data also concludes that ‘morbid curiosity’ does have a place in this to a degree. The data collected also found a correlation regarding gender and consumption of serial killer documentaries, which offers some interesting social justice insights regarding the unique interests of women and their subsequent motivations to study criminology. The data found that this is due to a need to understand serial killers’ behaviour and cognitions, to educate and increase the chances of evasion.

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1004063

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Crime Minister: The Harms of Power and Policy.

By Rebecca Gardner,

UCEN Manchester - Manchester Metropolitan University

This dissertation investigates the contemporary shifting political leadership of the United Kingdom and how policy choices have resulted in significant social harm. This work argues that there are patterns of problematic policy reform that has been spearheaded by the UK political establishment. In support of this argument, this dissertation offers a critical analysis of original semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of criminology and policy reform. The findings are clear: senior political forces have caused avoidable harm in UK society and moving forward, a new model for positive (harm preventing) reforms should be established.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1386743

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