Rate Professor Susan Heward-Belle

Professional Summary: Professor Susan Heward-Belle

Professor Susan Heward-Belle is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a notable career in social work and research focused on gender-based violence, child protection, and family dynamics. Her work has made significant contributions to both academic discourse and policy development in these critical areas.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Heward-Belle holds advanced qualifications in social work and related fields. While specific details of her degrees are not fully documented in public sources, her expertise and academic roles suggest a robust educational foundation, likely including a PhD or equivalent in social work or a related discipline from a reputable institution.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Heward-Belle specializes in the following areas:

• Domestic and family violence, with a focus on gender-based violence
• Child protection and welfare in the context of family violence
• Interventions and support systems for families experiencing violence
• Collaborative approaches to social work practice and policy

Her research often explores the intersection of systemic issues and individual experiences, contributing to evidence-based practices in social work.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Heward-Belle has held significant academic and research positions, including:

• Associate Professor in the School of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney
• Key researcher and contributor to projects addressing domestic violence and child protection

Her career reflects a commitment to both teaching and research, mentoring students and collaborating with practitioners and policymakers to address pressing social issues.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not widely detailed in public sources, Professor Heward-Belle’s leadership in high-impact research projects and her contributions to policy reform suggest recognition within her field. Further details may be available through institutional records or award announcements.

Key Publications

Professor Heward-Belle has authored and co-authored numerous influential works. Some notable publications include:

• ‘Invisible Practices: Interventions with Fathers Who Use Violence’ (2017, co-edited with Cathy Humphreys)
• Various peer-reviewed articles on domestic violence and child protection in journals such as Child & Family Social Work and Australian Social Work (specific titles and years widely cited in academic databases)

Her publications are frequently referenced in discussions on family violence interventions and social work practice.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Heward-Belle’s research has had a profound impact on the fields of social work and family violence prevention. Her work has informed policy frameworks and practice guidelines in Australia, particularly through her involvement in projects like the PATRICIA Project (Promoting Accountability and Transparency in Responses to Intimate Partner Violence). She has contributed to shifting the focus towards perpetrator accountability and systemic change, influencing both academic research and frontline social work practices.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Heward-Belle is actively involved in public engagement and professional leadership, including:

• Delivering presentations and lectures on domestic violence and child protection at national and international conferences
• Contributing to policy advisory committees and collaborative research initiatives focused on family violence
• Editorial and peer-review roles in academic journals related to social work (specific roles not publicly detailed but inferred from her academic standing)

Her public-facing work underscores her commitment to translating research into actionable outcomes for communities and policymakers.