Samuel Charman

Research summary

Project title: Understanding child sexual and criminal exploitation within the context of organised criminal networks: Attending to the motivations and modus operandi of perpetrators

The PhD programme will provide a unique and novel contribution of knowledge on motivations, modus operandi, and risk/protective factors for offenders engaging in group-based exploitation and will establish an understanding on the group dynamics and hierarchies of such groups.

The research will directly contribute to the limited knowledge surrounding organised exploitation offenders’ group-based connections and motivations to remain connected. By examining offender demographics, motivations, and tactics, the study seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of these networks' dynamics. Through collaboration with field experts and analysis of law enforcement data, the research aims to uncover hidden patterns and behaviours, ultimately informing targeted disruption strategies to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

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We are keen to promote partnership; collaboration and employment opportunities for our students from day one.

Collaboration can take many forms – from co-developing the research a postgraduate student is undertaking for their PhD, to engaging a PhD student on a specific project that does not link directly to their PhD but uses their skills to address an issue.

If you are interested in engaging with this researcher please get in touch with them:

Research Supervisor: Michael Lewis, Carol Ireland
Student: Samuel Charman