Rita Shackel

Professor Rita Shackel is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney Law School, holding the position of Professor of Law and Ethics. With a multidisciplinary background spanning law, science, psychology, and education, she brings a unique perspective to her work focusing on women and children's rights, particularly in the context of sexual and gender-based violence.

Her educational background includes:

• BSc from the University of Sydney
• LLB from the University of Sydney
• Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Sydney
• MA from the University of Sydney
• PhD from the University of Sydney
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law

Rita Shackel's research program is strongly interdisciplinary, focusing on improving legal, health, and social justice processes with particular attention to access to justice for children and women. Her work on sexual and gender-based violence, child sexual abuse investigation and prosecution, and trauma-informed care has significantly contributed to policy and practice both nationally and internationally. She has developed innovative approaches to understanding victims' experiences and improving legal responses to interpersonal crimes.

Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on sexual violence, child protection, and legal processes, with increasing attention to trauma-informed practices across multiple disciplines. Her work spans criminal justice, healthcare, education, and policy development, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary solutions for complex social problems.

Among her notable honors:

• Appointed Senior Innocenti Research Fellow, Innocenti Research Centre, UNICEF (2013)
• Member of the TEQSA Register of Experts in multiple disciplines (2013)
• 2012 Professor C.C. de Silva Memorial Orator (Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians)
• Visiting Professor at the Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville
• American Association of University Women, International Fellow

Professor Shackel actively supervises research students across a broad range of topics related to criminal justice, sexual crimes, and women's and children's rights. Her current research projects include evaluations of the ACT Witness Intermediary Program and the Victim Impact and Risk Management Support Seminars for Corrective Services New South Wales. She has secured substantial research funding and collaborates extensively with government agencies, legal professionals, and healthcare providers to translate research into practice.

As a member of the Sydney Environment Institute and the Sydney Institute of Criminology, Professor Shackel contributes to interdisciplinary research teams addressing complex social justice issues. Her work bridges academic research with practical application in legal settings, policy development, and professional education for judicial officers, police, and healthcare professionals.