معرفی
Dr James Rowlands is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Durham University, where he also serves as Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). He joined Durham after holding a Lectureship in Criminology at the University of Westminster.
Education
- PhD Sociology (ESRC-funded), University of Sussex, 2023 – thesis on Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs).
- Professional training and practice: qualified Social Worker; Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA).
Research Interests
Dr Rowlands’ scholarship centres on the governance and lived experience of domestic abuse-related fatalities. His work interrogates how Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) – soon Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews (DARDRs) – are constructed, operate, and generate knowledge. He is particularly interested in:
- International fatality review systems (Domestic Violence Fatality Reviews)
- Femicide and gender-based violence
- LGBTQ+ and male victim/survivor experiences
- Risk assessment, prevention, and coordinated community responses
- The emotional labour of practitioners and participants in review processes
Across his publications he employs qualitative policy analysis, discourse analysis, and participatory ethics to illuminate the intersection of policy, practice, and survivor-centred justice.
Publication Trajectory
Since 2020 he has produced a prolific body of work – including a sole-authored monograph, edited book chapters, and high-impact journal articles – that collectively advance understanding of fatality review mechanisms and their capacity for systemic change. Recurring themes include the ethics of victim voice, methodological innovation in sensitive research, and the policy implications of pandemic-era service disruption.
Scientific & Policy Esteem
- 2024–present: Co-Chair, Workforce and Training Subgroup, Scottish Government Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce.
- 2022–present: Member, Scottish Government Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce.
- 2023: Welsh Government Single Unified Safeguarding Review (SUSR) Stakeholder Reference Group.
- Co-convenor, International Community of Practice for the Study of Domestic Homicide.
- Board Member, Respect (UK domestic abuse charity).
Teaching & Mentoring
Dr Rowlands convenes and teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules on Violence and Abuse in Society, Feminist Anti-Violence Activism: Theory in Action, and Gender, Violence and Abuse. His pedagogy integrates survivor testimonies, participatory ethics, and community-engaged learning.
Engagement & Impact
Beyond academia he has co-authored influential policy reports for Galop, the Churchill Fellowship, and VISION, and regularly provides consultation to UK governments on statutory guidance for DHRs.
