Apriel Jolliffe Simpson
2025: Dr Apriel Jolliffe Simpson of Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato – the University of Waikato will develop a systematic approach to identifying high-harm perpetrators of family violence and supporting them to change their behaviour
Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods Dr Jolliffe Simpson (Ngāti Tūwharetoa (ki Taupō)) will examine the factors that drive the continuation and escalation of family harm, and the patterns of behaviour that constitute severe domestic harm. Aotearoa New Zealand has a high rate of family violence, which imposes significant social and economic costs. Despite extensive efforts, current approaches fail to identify the repeat offenders who are most likely to perpetrate severe and ongoing harm.
In her New Zealand Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship, Dr Jolliffe Simpson will develop tools to identify and assess the perpetrators who pose the greatest risks to their families. Ultimately, this research will enable police and frontline service providers to direct their resources and efforts to improve family safety and wellbeing, support perpetrators to change their behaviour, and break the cycle of family violence.
Dr Simpson presenting her research. Supplied.