Sexualised Violence and Abuse Research Lab

Dr. V Canessa-Pollard (nee Cartei) is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Chichester, Programme Lead for the BSc Counselling Psychology and MSc Coaching Psychology programmes. Her research focuses on investigating the psychosocial factors involved in sexual violence, abuse and trauma prevention and recovery, as well as in developing theory-based interventions within an empowerment ethos to improve well-being outcomes for survivors of sexual violence and abuse, no matter how or when it happened.

Dr. Canessa-Pollard's research is not only academically rigorous but also grounded in practical experiences gained from years of dedicated service in the field. Her 10-year career in the Rape Crisis Sector has been marked by versatility and expertise, having served in various capacities such as trustee, manager, trainer, and researcher. Driven by a passion for making a tangible impact, she has contributed significantly to local Rape Crisis initiatives and played a crucial role in the broader landscape through her involvement with Rape Crisis England and Wales.

Her multifaceted career has uniquely positioned her to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, allowing her to develop interventions that prioritise empowerment and resilience in the journey toward healing for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

Rylee obtained their MSci in advanced applied psychology at the University of Chichester. Their undergraduate research utilised a mixed-methods design to investigate lesbian internalised homophobia and self-harming behaviours. For their master’s research, they assessed perceptions of identity abuse within the LGBTQ+ community, as it is a lesser-known form of abuse within this demographic. During their studies, they undertook the role of Associate Lecturer in the university’s psychology department. Rylee also delivers LGBTQ+ inclusivity training to university staff and students, as well as those in care roles such as counsellors and support workers.

Rylee’s PhD will explore the lived experience, prevalence, and perceptions of identity abuse within queer romantic relationships. Identity abuse is a form of ‘weaponised oppression’ that leverages systemic oppressive beliefs on sexuality and gender identity to harm an individual. Their findings will be applied to the ecological model of domestic abuse. The project's findings will be used to inform domestic abuse services whilst also contributing to an important field of research which is often overlooked. They are also interested in research regarding LGBTQ+ mental health, especially in the realm of self-harm and suicidality.

Hollie began her career, shortly after completing her MSc in Applied Criminology, with Dorset Police specialising in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children who were exposed to neglect and trauma. From here, Hollie joined the Public Protection Unit in Surrey Police, as a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub officer, performing a series of triage processes and identifying levels of harm and risk to provide support and protection to victims of all types of crime.

Hollie specialised in domestic abuse, becoming a specialist force mentor and educating colleagues on the risks of incompetence around domestic abuse investigations, before becoming a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Co-ordinator (MARAC). Here, Hollie worked as part of a team in the prevention of homicide in high risk domestic and honour-based abuse cases. The primary responsibility to review police investigations, implementing safeguarding measures and highlighting concerns to external partner agencies that may have been missed by the investigative teams.

Hollie’s PhD “Collapsing the Canteen: Encouraging and empowering police officers to report sexual misconduct amongst their colleagues” strives to research whether the existence of harmful subcultures within police organisations acts as a systematic barrier which prevents officers and staff from reporting sexual misconduct, perpetrated by their colleagues, both on and off duty.