Narissa MacLennan-Matthews

Academic profile

Miss Narissa MacLennan-Matthews


School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business)

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The Global Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Narissa's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

Goal 04: SDG 4 - Quality EducationGoal 05: SDG 5 - Gender EqualityGoal 09: SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureGoal 10: SDG 10 - Reduced InequalitiesGoal 16: SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsGoal 17: SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

About Narissa

Narissa holds an MSc in Criminology, where her research critically examined UK legal frameworks and the systemic challenges faced by victims and individuals at risk of so-called honour-based violence and abuse (SCHBVA). She has successfully completed her viva and is currently undertaking doctoral corrections for her PhD which are due to be completed by February 2026. Her thesis, “Male Victims of ‘Honour Crimes’: A Critical Examination of the Concepts of ‘Honour’ and the Wider Debates Surrounding So-Called Honour-Based Violence and Hate Crime,” offers an original and timely contribution to debates on victimhood, gender, and violence.

Recognised as a subject specialist in SCHBVA, lone-wolf terrorism, and heterodox ideologies, Narissa has presented her research at numerous academic conferences, contributed to policy and practitioner focused summits, and shared her expertise through multiple podcast appearances. She has recently authored two book chapters addressing contemporary criminological and socio-political issues. Her wider body of work explores the intersections between SCHBVA, lone-actor terrorism, heterodox ideologies, and processes of radicalisation within higher education settings. 

Alongside her academic work, Narissa liaises with a range of UK & International charities, law enforcement bodies, and governmental agencies to support legislative reform and strengthen inter-agency cooperation within multi-agency safeguarding and response frameworks. She has also designed a pilot project aimed at addressing SCHBVA in the United States, demonstrating the international applicability and policy relevance of her research.

Teaching

So-Called Honour-Based Violence and Abuse

Gender-Based Violence

Hate Crime

Queer Criminology

Global Terrorism/ Critical Infrastructures

Religious Ideologies and Terrorism

Heterodox Ideologies

Domestic Violent Extremism (UK & USA)

Lone Wolf-Terrorists

Homeland Security 

 

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