by rbartels | Feb 12, 2020 | Conferences / Events
Last week (Feb 6-7th 2020), Dr Hannah Merdian and Dr Ross Bartels attended and presented at the ‘At the Crossroads 2.0’ conference in Antwerp, Belgium. This conference (organised by Thomas More Antwerp, the University Forensic Centre, & NL-ATSA) was titled ‘Future directions in sex offender treatment and assessment‘ and brought together a number of researchers, practitioners, and professionals from around the world to share new ideas, findings, theories, and practical insights on the topic of sexual offending.
Dr Hannah Merdian delivered a workshop on online sexual offending (detailing the new case formulation tool developed as part onlineProtect). Dr Merdian also delivered a keynote talk on the topic of desistance from online sex offending. The talk highlighted the work conducted by Dr Merdian in terms of how the strategies needed to help prevent online sexual offences, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome in order to achieve this.
Dr Ross Bartels also gave a keynote talk. This was on the topic of understanding sexual fantasising, where he outlined his recent ‘Dual-Process Model of Sexual Thinking’ and importance of distinguishing fleeting, spontaneous sexual thought from the deliberate mental act of sexual fantasising. He also discussed recent research on using eye-movements to impair the experience of sexual fantasies, as well as some new work looking at understanding the link between sexual fantasising and behaviour.
Both keynotes were well-received and fostered interesting discussion among the attendees. The other keynotes and workshops were also excellent, all contributing to an inspiring and thought-provoking event.
by rbartels | Jan 15, 2020 | Conferences / Events
On the 22nd Januar
y, we are delighted to have Professor Ray Bull from the University of Derby come and visit the School of Psychology at the University of Lincoln. Prof Bull’s talk will take place in SSB0102 & SSB0103 from 2-3pm.
The title of the talk is “Research on the Improving of the interviewing of suspects” and will be of interest to many of staff and students. Information about the talk and Prof Bull can be found below.
About the talk:
The traditional method used with suspects is to interrogate them using an accusatory style, often from the beginning of the interrogation. Recent research in several countries consistently demonstrates that a noteworthy proportion of guilty suspects have already decided to confess before the interview commences, and thus this traditional approach may be ‘seen’ to work for them. For other suspects new research suggests such an approach may well not be effective. A different approach was adopted over 25 years ago in England, which is now being adopted elsewhere (e.g. in Australia, Japan, Norway, USA) and has been recommended by a United Nations ‘Special Rapporteur’. Instead of the seeking of confessions (that may provide very little information), this ‘new’ approach encourages suspects to provide as much relevant information as possible, the contents of which can be verified or challenged.
About Prof Ray Bull:
Ray Bull is a Professor of Criminal Investigation, University of Derby (UK), Emeritus Professor of Forensic Psychology, University of Leicester (UK) and Immediate Past-President of the European Association of Psychology and Law. His major research topic is investigative interviewing. Ray’s wealth of experience and contribution to scientific community has been recognised by several boards and organisations both here in the UK and abroad. In 2010 Ray was “Elected by acclaim” an Honorary Fellow of the British Psychological Society “for the contribution made to the discipline of psychology”. In 2010 he received from the Scientific Committee of the Fourth International Conference on Investigative Interviewing a “Special Prize” for his “extensive contributions to investigative interviewing”. In 2009 he was elected a Fellow by the Board of Directors of the Association of Psychological Sciences (formerly the American Psychological Society) for “sustained and outstanding distinguished contribution to psychological science” (FAPS). In 2009 Ray received from the ‘International Investigative Interviewing Research Group’ the ‘Senior Academic Award’ for his ‘significant lifetime contribution to the field of investigative interviewing’. In 2008 Ray received from the European Association of Psychology and Law an ‘Award for Life-time Contribution to Psychology and Law’. In 2008 he received from the British Psychological Society the ‘Award for Distinguished Contributions to Academic Knowledge in Forensic Psychology’. In 2005 he received a Commendation from the London Metropolitan Police for “Innovation and professionalism whilst assisting a complex rape investigation”.
In 2004 he was commissioned by the Scottish Executive to draft guidance on the taking of evidence on commission. He was part of the small team commissioned by the Home Office in 2000 to write the 2002 government document Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses, Including Children (ABE). In 2002/3 he led the small team commissioned by government to produce an extensive training pack relating to ABE. In 1991 he was commissioned by the Home Office (together with a Law Professor) to write the first working draft of the Memorandum of Good Practice on Video Recorded Interviews with Child Witnesses for Criminal Proceedings. He has advised a large number of police forces in several countries on the interviewing of witnesses and of suspects, and he has testified as an expert witness in a considerable number of trials. He has authored and co-authored a large number of papers in quality research journals and has co-authored and co-edited many books including Investigative Interviewing: Psychology and Practice (1999 – a second edition is now being written) and Witness Identification in Criminal Cases (2008).
by rbartels | Jan 15, 2018 | Conferences / Events
This coming Wednesday (17/01/18), Dr Amanda Roberts, Dr Steve Sharman (a former FCRG member), and Verity Harris (a former MSc student at University of Lincoln) will be attending a 2 hour seminar at the University of East London to present some of the findings that have emerged from a research programme conducted in collaboration with the Gordon Moody Association.
Dr Roberts will be presenting work on the predictors of treatment outcomes for gamblers; Dr Sharman will present data on the trends and patterns of gambling behaviour; and Verity Harris will present findings on the topic of ‘binge gambling’. Other expert presenters will also be speaking, including Dr John Turner and Ruth Champion. Overall, the seminar will inform attendees about the impact of the residential treatment services provided by Gordon Moody Association for people in recovery from gambling addiction.
by rbartels | Nov 18, 2016 | Conferences / Events
Early this month (2-5th Nov), Prof. Todd Hogue and Dr Ross Bartels, along with research assistant Darragh McCashin and FCRG research associate Dr Craig Harper, presented at the 2016 conference of the Association of the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) in Orlando, FL, (USA).
Todd spoke about the importance of attitudes towards sexual offenders in the context of clinical practice.
Ross’s presented twos talks: (1) on the relationship between ‘Rich Fantasy Life’ (i.e. fantasy proneness, dissociation, & vivid mental imagery) and the use of aggressive sexual fantasies in males; and (2) on an interview study examining implicit theories of child sexual exploitation material users.
Darragh presented the work of PhD student Danielle Kettlebourough (as she unfortunately could not attend). The topic concerned desistance and protective factors associated with child sexual exploitation material offending.
Craig presented two talks, both related to the psychological factors that influence attitudes towards sexual offenders. Craig also took part in an invited discussion panel with other notable figures in the field (see image) pertaining to the 2014 documentary entitled ‘Pervert Park’
It was an extremely good ATSA this year! Not only was it set in DisneyWorld (!) – with lovely weather – but the keynote talks were cutting-edge and very thought-provoking, and the breakout sessions were varied and packed with useful new ideas, findings, and extensions of current understandings related to the field of sexual offending. The FCRG team each received fantastic feedback for their presentations, fostered new research collaborations, and furthered existing ones.
The team are now looking to next year’s ATSA conference in Kansas City!!
by rbartels | Sep 15, 2016 | Conferences / Events
Last week (6-10th Sept), FCRG members Hannah Merdian and Ross Bartels attended and presented at the 14th conference of the International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders (IATSO) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Hannah gave two presentations. One was alongside Prof. Derek Perkins and centred on describing the new ‘Merdian-Perkins Pathways Model’ of Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) use. Here, Hannah discussed the numerous factors that interact to influence CSEM offending. Prof. Perkins showed how the model can be applied to a real-world case. The second talk was about findings from a study conducted by PhD student Danielle Kettleborough contrasting CSEM users with a community members on various psychological factors.
Ross also gave two presentations. In the first, Ross reported findings from two studies that explored the use of mousetracking to assess sexual interest in community males. In the second, results from an interview study aimed at identifying CSEM-related implicit theories were reported.
In addition, Hannah was voted in as a new member of IATSO board, which is great news. Overall, the IATSO 2016 conference was full of exciting and insightful talks, with the bonus of being set in a lovely city.
Looking forward to the next one in 2018 in Lithuania.
by rbartels | Aug 2, 2016 | Conferences / Events
Dr Ross Bartels was recently invited to speak in a symposium on sexual fantasy at the 2016 conference for the International Association for Relationship Research in Toronto, Canada. Other speakers included organiser and relationship researcher Geoff MacDonald (University of Toronto, CAN); relationship and sexual fantasy researcher Gurit Birnbaum (IDC Herzliya, Israel); and personality psychologist Beth Visser (Lakehead University, CAN).
Ross accepted and went on to give a talk at the conference (on the 22nd July) entitled “A Rich Fantasy Life? The influence of fantasy proneness, dissociation, vividness of visual imagery on males’ aggressive sexual fantasies”.
Based on the findings of the study, Ross highlighted that, in addition to content, we should also address the factors that affect the ability (or process) of sexually fantasising; in this case, one’s imaginal ability.
Each talk in the symposium was extremely interesting, complimented each other, and generated some great questions and comments from the audience. Moreover, the conference was fascinating overall, with some great research being showcased.
To read about some of this research, check out the Twitter feed for the IARR conference using the following hashtag: #IARR2016
by rbartels | Jul 2, 2016 | Conferences / Events
Recently, on the 14-16th June, FCRG members Todd Hogue, Ross Bartels, Lauren Mumby, and Craig Harper, along with ex-MSc student Chloe Slater, current MSc student (Ryan Hesp), and two finishing undergraduate students (Bethany Browne and Jessica Mabbott) all attended and presented at the BPS’ Division of Forensic Psychology conference in Brighton.
On the first day, Ross and Chloe (and colleague Dr Geraldine Akerman from HMP Grendon) presented in a symposium entitled “Future Directions in the Treatment of Sexual Fantasies” organised by Ross and chaired by keynote speaker Prof. Tony Beech. Ross discussed his Dual-Process Model of Sexual Thinking and how it can inform treatment of sexual offenders’ sexual fantasies, while Chloe discussed the results of her MSc research (see image below left), showing that an eye-movement task holds promise as a treatment strategy for sexual fantasies. Geraldine discussed the development & efficacy of her Fantasy Modification Programme. Later during the poster session, Ryan Hesp presented his results on his Voyeuristic Behaviour Proclivity Scale (see image below right).
On the second day, Todd (with Bethany and Jessica), Craig, and Ross presented in a symposium entitled “Understanding Punitive Attitudes and Judgements about Sexual Offenders” organised and chaired by Craig (see image). First, Ross discussed the results of a new study on implicit theories and judgements of sexual crime (see here for an FCRG post on this paper). Bethany and Jessica, along with Todd, presented research using the CAPP to examine stigma towards different offender types. Craig reported results from a study currently under review showing how a humanising narrative-based intervention can reduce negative implicit and explicit evaluations of paedophiles. Later in the day, Lauren gave a talk on the needs of people entering prison custody from court (see image right).
The conference overall was an excellent event – with great keynotes, symposia, and posters.
by rbartels | Jun 9, 2016 | Conferences / Events
Yesterday (08/06/16), four members of the FCRG (Dr Ross Bartels, Charlotte Wesson, Prof Todd Hogue, and Craig Harper) spoke at the 2016 HMP Whatton conference. The conference was held in the prison grounds and saw a full-house of professionals (from various backgrounds) attend, making for a buzzing and interactive atmosphere. A number of speakers (including researchers, clinicians, and those who engage in both research and practice) presented talks on various topics pertinent to the understanding and assessment/treatment of sexual offenders.
Dr Ross Bartels and Charlotte Wesson talked about “Measuring Sexual Interest” – providing an overview of the strengths and limitations of existing methods, before introducing and presenting data on some newer indirect measures that they currently testing. These included: the Go/No-Go Association Task; Mousetracking; and an avoid-approach task administered via tablet technology.
Prof Todd Hogue and Craig Harper discussed research on attitudes towards sexual offenders, highlighting how they may impact on professional practice; an the important issue that has received little attention. Craig presented data showing that, when under cognitive load, people tend to rely on sexual offender stereotypes/schemas when forming judgements about a sexual offence case.
The conference also included: Lawrence Jones (Rampton Hospital) who discussed some fascinating ideas about trauma and sexual offending; Dr Steven Gillespie (Newcastle University) who talked about female who have sexually offended, offering new empirical results; Lynsey Regan (HMP Whatton) who highlighted important factors that must be taken into account when working with autistic sexual offenders; and Prof. Belinda Winder and Dr Lucy Betts (Nottingham Trent University) who discussed childhood bullying and sexual offending.
The conference was a very enjoyable event, providing excellent opportunities for networking and very interesting presentations. The lunch spread was also delicious!!
by rbartels | Feb 14, 2016 | Conferences / Events
FCRG member and onlinePROTECT (oP) lead Dr Hannah Merdian is proud to announce that the 2016 onlinePROTECT conference is now open for registration. The conference will take place on April 28th at Hamilton House in London.
The conference will address young people and the Internet, considering young people as both victims and perpetrators. The conference will proudly be fundraising for The Lucy Faithfull Foundation; a registered child protection charity which works across the UK to prevent child sexual abuse. The funds raised from this conference will specifically support the Internet Safety Seminars.
Speakers include:
Dr. Elizabeth Letourneau (KEYNOTE) – AssociatePprofessor at John Hopkins University and Director of the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
Jon Brown – Head of Strategy and Development at NSPCC
Dan Callahan – Metropolitan Police Service
Dr Afroditi Pina – Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at University of Kent
Dr Elena Martellozzo – Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Middlesex University
More information about the conference can be found here – http://www.onlineprotectproject.co.uk/2016-conference/
Sign up for the conference is here – http://store.lincoln.ac.uk/browse/product.asp?compid=1&modid=1&catid=468
For regular updates, follow onlinePROTECT on Twitter – @online_PROTECT
by rbartels | Nov 4, 2015 | Conferences / Events
Tomorrow evening (05/11/15), the internet working group – of which FCRG member Dr. Hannah Merdian is a key member – is presenting at a free public engagement event entitled ‘Understanding Sexual Violence and Abuse: Causes, Responses and Prevention’ at the University of the West of England, Bristol. The event is intended to educate and engage the public in the prevention of sexual assault, abuse and exploitation in a non-theoretical and accessible manner.
Brennan, M., Perkins, D., & Merdian, H. L. (2015, November). “We can’t arrest our way out of this.” Managing and preventing online child sexual abuse. Understanding Sexual Violence and Abuse: Causes, Responses, and Prevention. The Watershed, Bristol, UK.
Here is a link to the event: https://info.uwe.ac.uk/events/event.aspx?id=18378
