Centre for Justice Reform

About the Centre

The Centre for Justice Reform uses independent academic research to bridge criminal justice campaigning, legal reform and policy change. Our research drives policy and public engagement across a range of issues relating to criminal law, prisons and punishment, and the future of justice delivery. Our impact is enhanced by the extensive personal and professional networks of our academic and Advisory Board members.

Co-Directors

Professor Katrin Hohl

Katrin Hohl OBE, is Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice.

Katrin’s research has two strands. The first is concerned with how police respond to sexual violence and domestic abuse. The second strand centres on public trust in the police, police legitimacy and the application of procedural justice theory to police interactions with victim-survivors of rape and sexual assault. Katrin's research has had significant impact on criminal justice responses to sexual violence and domestic abuse, and was awarded an OBE for Services to Victims of Sexual Violence in 2024.

Dr Cassandra Wiener

Dr Cassandra Wiener is an Associate Professor in Law at The City Law School. She is passionate about domestic abuse law reform and regularly acts as advisor to the Home Office and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner's office, among others. She played a key role in the drafting of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, successfully campaigning for a clause enhancing the criminal law protection of survivors of coercive control.

Cassandra is regularly consulted by governments and activists around the world who are considering following the UK's lead and criminalising coercive control, most recently appearing before the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Coercive Control in New South Wales, Australia.