October 21, 2025
MSW
Prof. John Devaney
Centenary Chair of Social Work
Head of the School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh
Date and Time:
21 October, 2025 (Tue) 16:00-17:30 HKT
Venue: CJT-5.32/ Online via Zoom [Hybrid mode]
Abstract
Most societies have recognised the negative long-term personal and societal consequences of domestic violence and abuse. In this lecture I will discuss how a public health approach to the prevention of, and response to domestic abuse and violence is increasingly seen as helpful. The lecture will explore the evidence relating to how we respond to child and adult victims, and those who use violence and abuse within their close personal relationships. It raises the important question of how we tackle some of the structural drivers of domestic violence and abuse, such as gender inequality, along with interventions targeted at groups and individuals.
About the speaker
Prof. Devaney is a qualified social worker, with twenty years of clinical practice before entering academia. He is a former Chair of the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. His research focuses on gender based and family violence, with a particular focus on child homicide, child maltreatment, child welfare policy, domestic violence, and the impact of adversity in childhood across the life course.
Enquiries
Email: mswhku@hku.hk
Tel: (852) 3917 5014
