10/08/2016 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

US Air Force turn to Huddersfield psychologist for help

Posted on 10/08/2016 by Gary Hart

US Air Force seeks advice from Huddersfield investigative psychologist to help eliminate sexual violence at its bases.

Dr Maria Ioannou has been working with the USAF to help eliminate sexual violence at its bases.

Investigative psychology experts at the University of Huddersfield have been working with the US Air Force to help eliminate sexual violence at its bases.

Dr Maria Ioannou, a Reader in Investigative and Forensic Psychology, is Course Director for the University’s Investigative Psychology MSc degree – a course that is increasingly in demand from police and criminology professionals around the world. She was invited to visit RAF Lakenheath, which is a base for more than 5,000 USAF personnel and 2,000 civilians to provide training to volunteer victim advocates at Lakenheath.

“I spoke about the principles of investigative psychology and the contribution it can make to the investigation of sexual crime,” said Dr Ioannou, who also covered the subject of offender profiling.

There was an excellent response to her talk, delivered to about 40 men and women – and she has now received a Certificate of Appreciation signed by Carolina Yepez, who is the base’s Sexual Assault Response Co-ordinator.

The certificate, read: “We appreciate the collaboration and friendship we have built with you as we work together to eliminate sexual assault in our communities.”

Carolina Yepez and a USAF colleague subsequently made a reciprocal visit to the University of Huddersfield, where they delivered a lecture to Master’s students. There are now hopes of further collaboration, including the prospect of USAF personnel taking the Investigative Psychology course.

The University is home to the International Research Centre for Investigative Psychology, directed by Professor David Canter, who is founder of the discipline.

The MSc course, directed by Dr Ioannou, currently has some 60 students and the number of applicants is steadily rising so that is nearing capacity. It is a one-year course but teaching is delivered in blocks, so that candidates can fit it around work commitments. Police officers, psychologists and other professionals from around the world have been taking the course.

In addition to its range of modules, including intensive training on advanced statistical methods, the course also has an international network of law enforcement contacts and students have access to the unique and extensive Investigative Psychology archive developed by Professor Canter. It contains original case files and material on murders, serial killers, profiles and publications.

PICTURE DIARY: Brighton Pride Village Party@Marine Tavern

Posted on 10/08/2016 by Contributor

Quick Pics Photos capture pics of the people visiting the Pride Village Party at the Marine Tavern on Broad Street on Pride Sunday.

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Student satisfaction rises at University of Sussex

Posted on 10/08/2016 by Gary Hart

Student satisfaction rises at the University of Sussex for the second year running, according to the results of the 2016 National Student Survey (NSS).

With 89 per cent of Sussex students confirming they are happy with their experience, the University’s score is three percentage points higher than the sector benchmark.

A record 2,340 final-year Sussex students took part in the government’s annual poll of student opinion this spring, reflecting the growth in the University’s student population over the past few years.

Nearly nine out of 10 (89 per cent) of Sussex students who graduated this summer said they were happy overall with their university experience, up from 87 per cent last year and 85 per cent in 2014.

Scores for assessment and feedback (up two per cent), organisation and management (up two per cent) and academic support (up one per cent) also increased, with Sussex being placed 22nd and in the top quartile of multi-faculty universities for overall satisfaction.

The top three areas in which the University scored well are:

♦ Staff are good at explaining things (92 per cent)

♦ Library resources and services (91 per cent)

♦ I have been able to contact staff when I needed to (90 per cent)

Professor Michael Farthing, University of Sussex Vice-Chancellor, said: “We’ve had a great year in rankings, breaking the top 20 of all the major UK league tables and it’s very pleasing to see we’re in the top quartile for student satisfaction.

“It’s been particularly pleasing to see such gains have been made in our Business, Management and Economics School where we’ve jumped double figures in many categories. We care about the experience of every student here at Sussex and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that attending university is one of the most fulfilling times of their lives.”

NSS is run by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and asks all final-year undergraduate students across the UK for their views on their university experience.

Full results will be published at the end of August on the Unistats website, which gives future university students advice on where and what to study.

PICTURE DIARY: Brighton Pride remembers Orlando victims

Posted on 10/08/2016 by Hugo Michiels

Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Pete West, marches with those remembering the lives lost during the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12. Photographer Hugo Michiels captures the moments.

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Lineup announced for Sixth Wotever DIY Film Festival

Posted on 10/08/2016 by Contributor

This celebration of queer filmmaking and culture showcases a variety of shorts and features, representing a huge range of diverse LGBT+ voices.

Two extra screenings will take place on September 8 and 22 at the Cinema Museum, Dugard Way, London, SE11 4TH

This year all programmes are free, and the festival is the most accessible yet.

For more information about Wotever DIY Film Festival, click here:

Saturday September 3
DIY Space for London, 96-108 Ormside Street, London SE15 1TF

2pm – Queering Families
English subtitles, BSL interpreted intro

Creating a strong family bond – biological or otherwise – can be a hard undertaking. There can be a reluctance to come out and be vulnerable to each other. These films – funny, dramatic, moving, entrancing, beautiful – explore the themes of familial bonds from all angles.