Students undertake harm reduction field research in Slovenia
Over 80 Criminology, and Criminology & Psychology students and lecturers took part in a highly successful five-day visit to Slovenia, with students carrying out field research with different governmental and non-governmental organisations working in the fields of harm reduction, crime control, and social justice.
During the trip, which is a key part of the Level 6 module ‘International Fieldwork in Criminology’, students had the chance to meet with serving prison staff and governmental ministers. Their project work covered issues such as drug harm reduction strategies, violence against women and girls, prisons and penal policy, juvenile justice, hate crime graffiti, and Roma community life chances.
The opportunity to see firsthand how the Slovenian justice system operates in practice was truly fascinating. Gaining insight into the day-to-day realities faced by both inmates and staff brought a deeper level of understanding that cannot be captured through theory alone.
Student Billy Welsh
Fellow student Issy Webster who also attended the field trip added: “Visiting Celje Prison was a real eye-opening experience that changed how I think about imprisonment and rehabilitation. Seeing the prison first-hand helped me better understand realities faced by inmates and staff and it gave me a better outlook on the complexities of the criminal justice system. This experience made our research feel more ‘real’ and has further motivated us beyond the classroom.”
The field course was led by Dr Giles Barrett, Anne Hayes, Dr Sarah Tickle and supported by Dr Jim Hollinshead, Dr Rizwaan Sabir, Dr Leona Forde, and Dr Ryan Peacey.
Through this trip students are afforded unique access to a wide array of subject-relevant projects, institutions, and issues. This level of access would not be possible in the UK context for student groups and is undeniably a catalyst for their experiential learning and research ideas.
These opportunities will elevate their personal and professional development in ways which they probably cannot fully comprehend at this stage but ultimately will serve them well as they go on to seek employment and postgraduate study opportunities in the next year and beyond.
Dr Giles Barrett, Associate Professor of Criminology in LJMU’s School of Law and Justice Studies
More information on the impact of international fieldwork on students’ skills development and personal confidence can be found in this recent research publication "Soft at the Centre": Using Study Abroad to Stimulate Reflection on Soft Skills in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education.
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