The Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse (CRiVA) was launched in 2013 and has since been designing and enhancing research-led education, policy and practice in the field of violence and abuse.
Stephen Burrell has been part of CRiVA since he started his PhD at Durham in 2014. The work of Professor Nicole Westmarland and CRiVA were the main reasons he chose Durham.
Read on to find out more Stephen, his role and passion and why CRiVA is so important.
Tell us about your role within CRiVA
I am a Deputy Director of CRiVA and Assistant Professor (Research) in the Department of Sociology. My research specialism is men, masculinities, and violence. I did my PhD in CRiVA, about work with men and boys to prevent men’s violence against women in England. Subsequently I have done a number of different projects connected to this theme. Currently I’m undertaking a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship exploring the connections between the climate crisis and men’s violence and engaging with men and boys about caring for the environment.
Why are you so passionate about the Centre and the work they do?
I believe it is possible to end violence and abuse and create a more egalitarian society, and I am committed to doing whatever I can to contribute towards this. I think CRiVA is unique in its emphasis on prevention, and having an impact on policy, practice, and wider society, which I find highly inspiring.
How does your work impact communities / the world around you?
I hope my work helps people – especially men – to think about how gender norms and expectations impact upon them, and what they can do to help create change. I am always keen to share ideas and findings from my research with audiences beyond academia, e.g. by engaging with policymakers, practitioners, activists and the wider public. For example, I co-host a podcast called Now and Men: Current conversations on men’s lives, which seeks to provide an accessible tool for discussion and reflection about issues of masculinity and gender equality.
What opportunities did you have working as part of CRiVA?
I’m not a Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) anymore but during my PhD in CRiVA I had many opportunities to get involved, including running our weekly coffee morning, organising events, helping with behind-the-scenes organising such as maintaining our website, social media, and e-mail account.
Find out more
- Stephen Burrell is an Assistant Professor (Research) in the Department of Sociology. Visit his profile
- Stephen Burrell co-hosts a monthly podcast ‘Now and Men’ to discuss issues around masculinity, gender equality and the lives of men and boys in the 21st century. Listen for free here
- Stephen Burrell co-authored a new article on pro-feminist podcasting in the journal, Masculinities and Social Change
- The Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse (CRiVA) is dedicated to improving knowledge about interpersonal violence and abuse, and professional and societal responses to it. Find out more
- CRiVA’s research has received international acclaim and led to ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ impact ratings. Discover more
- Our Department of Sociology is ranked 1st in the UK for Criminology and 3rd in the UK for Sociology in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. Feeling inspired? Visit our Sociology webpages to learn more about studying with us.
- If you’d like to share your story or insights into your work, visit our Submit a blog or vlog page to learn more.