Brock University Lands $7M in SSHRC Grants, Boosting Police Sexual Assault Research
Brock University has received a significant boost in research funding, with a total of $7 million awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) for faculty-led projects. This includes a $2.5 million grant for Assistant Professor Danielle McNabb's investigation into police sexual misconduct cases and their handling by civilian oversight agencies.
McNabb's project, in collaboration with Kate Puddister from the University of Guelph, aims to understand why the rate of criminal charges is low in police sexual misconduct cases and identify barriers faced by oversight agencies. The research will examine closed directors' reports, interviews, surveys, and policies related to police sexual violence investigations. McNabb's work is part of a larger SSHRC funding round that saw Brock University receive 14 Insight Grants and 10 Insight Development Grants. Notably, Matthew Kwan, Associate Professor of Child and Youth Studies, also received a $2.5 million Partnership Grant for a project focused on physical literacy among newcomer children and youth.
The research by McNabb and Puddister will focus on two central oversight institutions in Canada: the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) and the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) in Ontario. By analyzing their procedures and methods, the researchers hope to establish best practices for investigating police sexual misconduct, with a focus on respectful and trauma-informed treatment of complainants.
Brock University's SSHRC funding recipients list includes Danielle McNabb, whose $2.5 million grant will support crucial research into police sexual misconduct cases and their oversight. This work, in collaboration with Kate Puddister, aims to improve the investigation of police sexual misconduct, benefiting both complainants and the justice system. The full list of Brock University's SSHRC funding recipients is available online.
