Rachel Loney-Howes

Dr Rachel Loney-Howes is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Wollongong. Her research focusses on two key areas: (1) the use of digital platforms for activism against sexual violence, and (2) alternative reporting options for survivors of sexual violence. She has published extensively on these topics and is particularly interested in how her research can facilitate better ways of witnessing and listening to survivors of sexual violence across a variety of forums. Rachel is currently leading a project with Professor Kaitlynn Mendes, Professor Sonia Núñez Puente, Dr Diana Fernández Romero, and Dr Bianca Fileborn on archiving digital activism against sexual violence. She is the author of Online anti-rape activism: Exploring the politics of the personal in the age of digital media (Emerald Publishing Group) and the co-editor of #MeToo and the politics of social change (Palgrave McMillan) with Dr Bianca Fileborn. She has a new book under contract with Dr Tully O’Neill examining public survivors of sexual violence. Rachel recently completed a study funded by the Australian Institute of Criminology exploring Anonymous and confidential reporting options for sexual assault: An exploration of their purpose, use and potential in Australia with Professors Georgina Heydon and Nicola Henry (RMIT). The team is presently consulting for the Victorian government in Australia on the design and implementation of an alternative reporting option scheme for survivors of sexual violence for use in the state of Victoria.