Rate Professor Lesley Laing

Professional Summary: Professor Lesley Laing

Professor Lesley Laing is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a notable career in social work and research focused on gender-based violence and child protection. Her work has significantly contributed to both academic discourse and policy development in these critical areas.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Laing holds advanced qualifications in social work and related fields. While specific details of her degrees are not publicly listed in all sources, her expertise and long-standing academic career at the University of Sydney reflect a robust educational foundation in social sciences and social work.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Laing specializes in the fields of:

• Domestic and family violence
• Child protection and welfare
• Gender-based violence and trauma-informed practice
• Social work education and policy advocacy

Her research often focuses on improving responses to violence against women and children, integrating trauma-informed approaches into social work practice, and influencing systemic change through evidence-based policy recommendations.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Laing has had a long and impactful tenure at the University of Sydney, where she has held various roles in teaching, research, and leadership within the School of Education and Social Work. Key positions include:

• Emeritus Professor, School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney
• Former Director of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program
• Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor roles prior to her current designation

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not extensively documented in public sources, Professor Laing’s recognition as an Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney underscores her significant contributions to academia and her field. Her work has been acknowledged through invitations to speak at conferences and contribute to policy discussions on violence and child protection.

Key Publications

Professor Laing has authored and co-authored numerous influential works. Some of her key publications include:

• Social Work and Domestic Violence: Developing Critical and Reflective Practice (2013, co-authored with Cathy Humphreys)
• Women’s Experiences of Male Violence: Findings from the Australian Component of the International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS) (2003, co-authored)
• Various peer-reviewed articles on child protection, domestic violence, and social work practice in journals such as Child & Family Social Work and Australian Social Work

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Laing’s research has had a profound impact on the fields of social work and gender-based violence studies. Her work has informed policy and practice in Australia, particularly in improving responses to domestic violence and child protection. She has contributed to shaping trauma-informed care models and has been instrumental in advocating for systemic changes to support vulnerable populations. Her publications are widely cited and used as foundational texts in social work education.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Laing has been actively involved in public engagement and professional leadership, including:

• Delivering keynote addresses and presentations at national and international conferences on domestic violence and social work
• Serving on advisory committees and working groups focused on policy development for family violence and child welfare
• Contributing as a reviewer and editorial advisor for academic journals in her field

Her expertise is frequently sought in public and professional forums, reflecting her standing as a thought leader in social work and violence prevention.