Susan Rayment-McHugh

Dr. Susan Rayment-McHugh is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), within the School of Law and Society. She holds a PhD in Criminology and a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, and is a registered psychologist and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her research focuses on sexual violence prevention, particularly in First Nations communities, contextual safeguarding strategies, and program evaluation. Co-Leader of the Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit, she has led over 20 grants totaling millions in funding, addressing topics like child-safe organizations and offender treatment. Recognized with the 2020 David Biles Correctional Research Award, her work emphasizes evidence-based approaches and community engagement. She collaborates internationally and advises governments and NGOs on prevention strategies. Prior roles include leadership at Griffith University’s Youth Forensic Service and the Neighbourhoods Project in Queensland.

Education:

• PhD in Criminology
• Masters in Psychology (Forensic)

Research Interests: Preventing sexual violence through contextual, place-based, and community-engaged models; improving treatment for Indigenous populations; evaluating programs using realist frameworks. Recent work includes designing culturally safe interventions and analyzing concentrations of sexual violence.

Grants & Collaborations:

• Westpac Safer Children Grant (A$150k, 2022-2023)
• A$2.2M Neighbourhoods Project (2013-2017)
• Queensland Corrective Services (A$501k, 2020-2023)

Labs/Teams: Co-Leads Sexual Violence Research & Prevention Unit; part of Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre. Active in policy advisory roles and international collaborations.