School of Business and Law researcher part of team examining transformative justice for women

We are proud to share that Dr Christine Magill, Senior Lecturer at the School of Business and Law, University of Brighton, has been part of an important research team investigating how arts-based approaches to Transformative Justice can improve social cohesion and reintegrate women with convictions into their communities.

The two-year project, funded by The Nuffield Foundation and The British Academy, has brought together experts from institutions including London South Bank University, Nottingham Trent University, and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

With over 13% of deaths occurring among women on post-release supervision — despite women making up less than 5% of the prison population — this research highlights the urgent need for alternative approaches. The project’s findings emphasise that supporting communities to engage with justice, trauma, and harm is key to fostering inclusion and breaking cycles of abuse.

Dr Magill noted: “It is time for radical change in the use of imprisonment as a punishment for women. This research adds further evidence to the need for alternative provisions, helping to facilitate cohesion, integration and the power of community.”

Through partnerships with local arts organisations, the research team hosted workshops that showcased the power of creative spaces in building understanding, empathy, and collaboration to support transformative justice initiatives”

Read the full news story on the University of Brighton website.