Siobhan's research interests are focused in the areas of criminal law and criminal justice. Her research explores the socio-legal responses to, and experiences of, male survivors of sexual violence. 

Siobhan is also interested in the socio-legal responses to women who commit serious offences, including homicide and sexual violence.

Criminal law; gendered violence; homicide; sexual offences; gender and the law

Siobhan conducted the first study in the UK on ‘forced-to-penetrate’ cases, interviewing male survivors about their experiences of this form of sexual violence. She was awarded funding from the British Academy to support this work (£9,987).

Siobhan co-led the JiCSAV (Justice in Covid-19 for Sexual Abuse and Violence) research project which identified the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on sexual offences cases within the criminal justice system, as well as exploring innovations in policy and practice of value for the duration of the pandemic and beyond. This research was funded by the ESRC-UKRI Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund (£213,785).

From September 2023, Siobhan will be leading an ESRC funded research project (£438,635), examining jury decision making in cases of rape and sexual abuse involving male victims. Dr Dominic Willmott at Loughborough University is Co-I on this project.

Criminal law and criminal justice (sexual offences, homicide, domestic abuse), gender (masculinities, femininities, gender and crime, gender theories) and criminal legal and criminological theories

Siobhan convenes the first year core module Law 101x/y English Legal System and Methods, and the third year optional module Crim 314 Sex Crimes and Sexual Offending.

Siobhan is Director of Engagement and Impact in the Law School. 

Twitter: @SiobhanWeare https://twitter.com/SiobhanWeare