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A Northumbria University academic is leading training to help police forces across the UK challenge victim-blaming language during investigations, with a particular focus on violence against women and girls.
Dr Patricia Canning Pask, Assistant Professor in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Northumbria University, is delivering Language Matters training to officers of all ranks, including work currently underway with Cumbria Constabulary.
An applied linguist specialising in forensic language, Dr Canning Pask’s research examines how language is used across the justice system and how responsibility and blame can be shaped or shifted through both individual and institutional wording. Her published work includes analysis of witness statements following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 and language used in the aftermath of the 2022 Champions League Final in Paris.
The Cumbria training, funded by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen, will make the force only the second in the UK to roll out the programme. While the training applies across all crime types, it places particular emphasis on domestic abuse and sexual violence, which disproportionately affect women and girls.
“How language is used in policing and the wider justice system cannot be underestimated, especially when responding to and investigating domestic abuse. The training has been designed to encourage officers to understand the impact on victims and case outcomes of what they say and how they say it, whether in person, on the phone, or in case file reports.
“Language matters, and by addressing harmful stereotypes and shifting the focus away from victims and on to perpetrators, this training will help build trust and really can make a difference on improving routes to justice for victims and survivors.”
Dr Canning Pask.
The programme is designed to help ensure victims feel supported throughout investigations and that cases are handled fairly. It was developed following Dr Canning Pask’s work with South Wales Police reviewing case files to inform future language guidance. The training has since been delivered to Cheshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police Service’s media team.
“We fully welcome the Language Matters training for our officers and staff. This programme strengthens our commitment to victim-focused policing by enhancing how we communicate in sensitive and challenging situations.
“Building on practical insights, Language Matters ensures our teams are equipped to offer clear, respectful and inclusive support to those affected by crime and anti-social behaviour. Effective communication is fundamental to building trust, and this training will help officers and staff respond with empathy and continued professionalism across all areas of policing.”
David Ashton, Detective Chief Superintendent, Cumbria Constabulary.
The importance of language in investigations has also been recognised nationally. In 2024, the Independent Office for Police Conduct published a report on ending victim-blaming in cases involving violence against women and girls, developed alongside the Crown Prosecution Service, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, police forces and support organisations. Dr Canning Pask was invited to contribute to the report, which sets out key principles to address the issue.
Researchers at Northumbria University are continuing to combine academic insight with frontline practice to better understand and address gender-based violence and abuse across the justice system.
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