Dr Rebecca Zerk

Rebecca the Director of the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice and Co-Lead of Dewis Choice Initiative ((awarded 4* case study for the REF). Rebecca has a keen interest in the area of victimology, working on 10+ research projects relating to domestic abuse in Wales.  Adopting inclusive research methods, including co-production and participatory action research, Rebecca’s role involves capturing the voices of those who have previously been silenced to bring about positive change in research, policy and practice.

Rebecca has a proven record of creating and disseminating research beyond academia, working closely with victim-survivors, practitioners, and creative artists to produce publications, short films, animations, and podcasts, aimed at diverse audiences. Rebecca has also co-created and delivered research-led, survivor-informed training to over 24,000 practitioners and managers across the UK, developing the practice response to older victims of domestic abuse.

Rebecca was awarded a prize for the ‘victims’ module during her undergraduate degree and was awarded a PhD scholarship by the Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice. Rebecca is currently completing her PhD in the area of older people and domestic abuse, looking specifically at help-seeking behaviours in later life. 

Rebecca previously taught a number of modules at undergraduate level including; research skills, victimology, elements of criminology and critical criminology. She worked in higher education teaching adult safeguarding to health and social care students in Crosskeys College.