معرفی
Dr. Roos de Wildt serves as a Lecturer at the Knowledge Center for Talent Development at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, where she focuses on the effective protection of children in unsafe families. She also holds a position as a Senior Researcher at the Verwey-Jonker Institute, conducting practice-based research on domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and sex work. Her work bridges academic research and practical application in the field of child protection and violence prevention.
Dr. de Wildt earned her PhD in Criminology from Utrecht University and the University of Hamburg, with research focused on human trafficking during UN peacekeeping missions in post-war Kosovo. Prior to her doctorate, she studied Cultural Anthropology at Utrecht University. Her academic journey has included positions as a lecturer in Cultural Anthropology and Criminology departments at Utrecht University and project coordination at the children's rights organization Defence for Children.
Dr. de Wildt's research centers on breaking through violence in dependent relationships, with particular focus on domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Her work emphasizes understanding the perspectives of those directly involved, especially how children and young people can be better involved in the support and protection they need. She approaches these complex issues through qualitative, practice-based research that aims to develop practical solutions for improving safety and protection systems. A recurring question in her work is: "How can we prevent and combat violence in relationships and families, and how can we strengthen safety?" Her research often examines the intersection of policy, practice, and lived experience to develop more effective interventions.
Dr. de Wildt's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on vulnerable populations, particularly in contexts of violence and exploitation. Her early work examined post-war prostitution and human trafficking in Kosovo, leading to her 2019 book "Post-War Prostitution: Human Trafficking and Peacekeeping in Kosovo." More recently, her research has shifted toward domestic violence, child protection, and family-focused approaches to intervention. Her 2025 publications reflect current work on the Future Scenario for Child and Family Protection, examining how to improve youth protection systems through action research and pilot projects. Her work consistently applies qualitative methods to understand complex social problems and develop practical solutions.
As a senior researcher at the Verwey-Jonker Institute and lecturer at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. de Wildt contributes to both academic knowledge development and practical application in the field. Her inaugural lecture on March 6, 2025, emphasized the importance of creating strong, connected safety nets for children in unsafe homes, noting that "The safety net for children in unsafe homes must be strong and connected, paying attention to every family member, like a strong shoulder that supports them and that they can rely on." Her work often involves collaboration with practitioners, policymakers, and other researchers to bridge the gap between research and practice in child protection and violence prevention.
Dr. de Wildt is actively involved in research projects related to the Future Scenario for Child and Family Protection, conducting action research in pilot projects to improve the current youth protection system. Her current work examines the new family-focused approach in various contexts, seeking to develop more effective ways to protect children while supporting entire families. Through her dual roles at the Verwey-Jonker Institute and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, she contributes to both research and education in the field of child protection and violence prevention.
