PhD Opportunity: Policing Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women & Girls
Meta Title:
PhD Research: Policing Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women & Girls | Open University
Meta Description:
Apply for a funded PhD at the Open University investigating how policing can respond to online violence against women and girls. Deadline: 7 January 2026.
- Focus Keywords:
PhD policing technology violence against women, online gendered violence PhD, policing VAWG technology, Open University gender violence research
Project Overview
As digital spaces become central to everyday life, the risk of violence against women and girls (VAWG) is increasingly mediated by technology. Traditional policing models often struggle to keep pace with the dynamics of online abuse. This PhD opportunity seeks to address this gap by developing evidence-based, victim-centered, and proactive policing strategies to tackle technology-facilitated gendered violence.
The project is based at the Centre for Protecting Women Online at the Open University, which is backed by a £7.7 million grant from Research England. The Centre works across five key research areas: Law & Policy, Responsible Technology / AI, Human Behaviour, Policing, and Ethical Tech.
Research Themes & Questions
The PhD invites substantial proposals under several critical themes:
- Legitimacy & Prevention
- How can policing build public trust and legitimacy when tackling online harm?
- What victim-centered strategies can prevent and reduce technology-driven VAWG?
- How should the police collaborate with tech platforms and other bodies to respond more effectively?
- Officer Training & Well-Being
- What training modules and tools do officers need to investigate online abuse effectively?
- How can police organizations support the mental health of officers working with tech-mediated abuse?
- Perpetrator Behavior
- What motivates individuals who commit online gendered violence?
- How do factors like anonymity and disinhibition in digital spaces affect offender patterns?
- Intersectionality & Vulnerability
- How can policing strategies be tailored for women and girls from diverse social, racial, and economic backgrounds?
- In what ways do different vulnerabilities (e.g., race, disability) affect how online abuse is experienced and reported?
Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates for this PhD are those with:
- A Master’s degree in criminology, law, sociology, gender studies, public policy, psychology, or a related field.
- Strong interest or experience in gender-based violence, digital technology, or policing.
- Skills in qualitative research, policy analysis, or data-driven methods.
- A commitment to interdisciplinary work and public impact.
Important Dates
- Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 12:00 GMT, 7 January 2026
Why This PhD Matters
- Contributes to critical policy development for how police respond to online gendered violence.
- Supports victim-centered approaches and fosters safer digital environments.
- Advances knowledge on technology, anonymity, and crime, influencing them to be integrated into policing strategy.
- Helps build future leaders in public policy, tech regulation, and gender advocacy.
- Strengthens multi-sector collaboration (police, civil society, tech companies) on gendered online harm.
Application Guidance
- Submit a research proposal (2–4 pages) aligned with one or more of the thematic areas mentioned above.
- Provide a CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees.
- Demonstrate relevant background, such as gender studies, criminology, or tech policy.
- Clearly articulate how your work could influence policy, policing, or technology practice.
- Send your application via the Open University’s formal PhD admissions portal by the deadline.
Final Thoughts
This PhD is a powerful opportunity for researchers who want to make a real difference in how law enforcement interacts with technology especially when protecting women and girls from online harm. If you are passionate about policy, justice, and gender equality, this role could be a cornerstone of your career.
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