Our research
The Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science conducts research in the area of forensic mental health and forensic behavioural science, examining factors that underlie offending and human behaviour in the legal system.
Forensic behavioural science is concerned with how individual characteristics interact with the environment to produce criminal behaviour and what might be done to prevent such behaviour. It also includes the way in which offenders are identified and managed by law enforcement, courts and criminal justice systems.
Within the area of forensic behavioural science, our researchers engage in a broad range of clinical, epidemiological and experimental research in the following key research streams.
Our research programs
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Aggression and violence
This research stream examines ways to develop violence prevention and intervention programs that can successfully reduce violent behaviour. -
Childhood maltreatment and youth offending
We examine the causes and consequences of childhood maltreatment over the lifespan, and investigate models for effectively preventing and responding to youth offending.
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Complex criminal behaviour
This research stream examines problem behaviours such as stalking, arson, family violence, radicalism, extremism and sexual offending. -
Culture, psychology and law
This research stream examines the best practices for working effectively with multicultural clients in psycho-legal scenarios. -
Forensic mental health
This research stream examines the assessment and treatment of people with a mental disorder and history of offending. -
Psychology and legal processes
This research stream applies psychological principles to better understand and improve policing, law and the legal system. -
Rehabilitation, reintegration and managing risk for crime
This research stream designs, evaluates and supports the delivery of evidence-based practices to assist people to attain crime-free lives.
Interested in studying a research or coursework degree?
We offer postgraduate research and clinical qualifications, as well as online graduate degrees and single unit enrolments, in the area of forensic behavioural science, forensic psychology and forensic mental health.
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Catalyst Consortium
We received a grant from the Victorian Corrections Minister in 2017 to establish the Catalyst Consortium, conducting research into serious violent and sexual offending and establishing a partnership between leading researchers, clinical leaders and correctional/forensic mental health partner organisations to systematically address persistent violence and sexual offending.
Explore more of our centre
Contact the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science
There are many ways to engage with us. Whether you’re a student, from the media or an organisation interested in our professional development and training programs or consulting services, contact us on +61 3 9214 3887 or via cfbs@swinburne.edu.au.