Join us for the launch of ‘Bringing Criminological Theory to Life’, a cutting-edge new book that brings the theories of desistance and developmental criminology to life through the compelling life-story of William ‘Billy’ Mahaffey. This book is not just a collection of scholarly chapters; it is a vivid narrative that chronicles Billy's journey from soldier to prisoner, university student, father, and acclaimed athlete.
Event Highlights:
Introduction by David Maguire from Prison Reform Trust
Gain insights from a leading voice in prison reform.
Meet and Engage with Key Figures, book subject William Mahaffey, and editors Emily Turner, Rose Broad, Caroline Miles, and Shadd Maruna.
Dive deep into the book's content, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Hear Directly from Chapter Authors and Leading Criminologists
University of Manchester: Dr Lisa Williams, Dr Will Floodgate, Dr Laura Bui, Brogan Pritchard
University of Hull: Dr Helen Nichols
Anglia Ruskin University: Dr Emma Murray
Royal Holloway University of London: Professor Rosie Meek, Dr Hannah Hammond
This book features essays on pivotal issues from Billy’s life, including adverse childhood experiences, to the intersection of military veterans and criminal justice to the importance of cultivating supportive social networks and the role of sport in moving away from crime. Inspired by teaching styles that incorporate real-life experiences shared by prison-based students, ‘Bringing Criminological Theory to Life’ presents a vibrant and accessible approach to academic analysis.
Sensitive Topics: The book discusses sensitive issues such as suicide, adverse childhoods, and prison experiences. Please ensure you engage with this event in a way that feels safe for you. A full content warning can be found below. This will also be emailed to all attendees.
Who should attend?
This event is open to all however it will be particularly interesting for practitioners, policy makers and academics working in the areas of suicide prevention, adverse childhood experiences and crime, life course criminology, the army-prison trajectory, the experiences of prison and probation, education in prison, journeys out of crime, sport and desistance: and assisted desistance.
Additional Details:
The symposium will run for roughly 90 minutes followed by a Q&A and then a networking reception starting at 4.30pm.
About the Editors:
Emily Turner is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Criminology at The University of Manchester with research expertise in prison experience, desistance, fathers in prison, education in prison, Learning Together, and the response to equality and diversity in prisons.
Rose Broad is Professor of Criminology at The University of Manchester, and is currently Head of Department. Her research focuses on human trafficking and modern slavery, particularly in relation to people responsible for and policy directed towards these activities and the ways in which human trafficking, modern slavery and policy intersect with gender to create different outcomes
Caroline Miles is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at The University of Manchester with research expertise in various forms gender-based violence, including adolescent to parent violence and parricide, domestic abuse, ‘honour’-based abuse, and femicide.
Shadd Maruna is the Chair of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology at the University of Liverpool. His research is dedicated to understanding crime and justice in a life course perspective, in particular, trying to understand routes out of criminality and ways that the justice system impedes (or less frequently, supports) this process of desistance from crime.
Planning your visit:
ACCESSIBILITY: Please contact soss.externalrelations@manchester.ac.uk should you have any access requirements. The building is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet on the ground floor by the Coffee Bar. The lecture theatre can be accessed via the lift to the 2nd floor.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Please contact soss.externalrelations@manchester.ac.uk if you have any allergens or requirements.
IMAGE AND VIDEO CONSENT: There will be photographs/videos taken at the event. If you do not wish to be in any images, please make University staff aware at the event.
- Hosted by the University of Manchester School of Social Sciences*
- This event is free and open to the public*
Content Warning: Bringing Criminological Theory to Life: A Lived Experience Approach to Crime and Desistance
This book launch will explore issues related to adverse childhood experiences, suicide, war, mental health, imprisonment, drug use and drug dealing. Specifically, the discussion will cover:
The impact of suicide
Experiences of a vulnerable child being groomed into drug dealing
Experiences of serving in Afghanistan
Experience of having PTSD and drug dependency
We recognise that these topics may be distressing, particularly for those with lived experience of any of these issues. If you find the subject matter upsetting, we encourage you to engage with the lecture in a way that feels safe for you. You are welcome to step out at any point during the event if needed.
For those who may require support, for staff and students the University of Manchester’s counselling service and student wellbeing teams (located in the Student Hubs within each school) are available to provide assistance.
You can also access external support services, such as:
Shining a Light on Suicide
Challenger (Trapped Campaign)
Victim Support
Combat Stress
Achieve Recovery Services
Manchester Mind
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS
This symposium seeks to shed light on these critical issues, fostering understanding and meaningful discussion, and also hope. We appreciate your engagement in this important conversation and encourage a respectful and supportive environment for all attendees.
