Gunda Wössner

Gunda Wössner is a Professor of General and Clinical Psychology at the Freiburg University of Education. She specializes in research on perpetrators and victims of crime, with a focus on sexual and violent offenses, victim support, and the impact of hegemonic masculinity structures on criminal behavior. Her work bridges clinical psychology and forensic science, emphasizing holistic analysis of criminal psychology and victim experiences.

Wössner serves as a German representative in the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), investigating conditions in detention centers. She integrates her fieldwork and expertise into teaching, particularly in the social work program, where she addresses discrimination in offender assistance and stigmatization of crime-affected individuals. Her research critiques punitive systems and advocates for systemic reform in reintegration and victim protection.

Previously, she led projects at the Max Planck Institute and collaborated on alternative sanctions like electronic ankle monitoring. She also co-developed Germany’s first interreligious training program for prison pastoral care, blending her clinical and criminological expertise.