***Trigger warning- this post discusses sexual violence and trauma *** Last night I finally saw National Theatre Live ‘Prima Facie’ starring the amazing Jodie Comer. Written by Suzie Miller, directed by Justin Martin and presented by Empire Street productions, the play is a monologue of criminal barrrister Tessa (played by Comer). The play is described […]
Category Archives: PTSD
July
09
Full circle
posted by plasticdollheads
Winning Lecturer of the Year (2022) at the University of Liverpool is my life going full circle. Thank you to my friends and colleagues Alex and Tan who accompanied me on the night. It was wonderful to see friends from across the university and I enjoyed celebrating your successes. Twenty years ago I first came […]
February
20
The trees will know calm in the morning
posted by plasticdollheads
I am forever indebted to the wisdom of trees. I wrote a Theology post here about God being in the rubble, and the comfort of Lammas. I have always loved trees, nature, the outdoors. It is my place of thinking and reflecting and stillness. The worst part of the pandemic response for my mental health […]
April
29
Criminologist or criminal? Liminal spaces as the site for auto/biography
posted by plasticdollheads
I am delighted to announce that my article is now published In Methodological Innovations. I will record a podcast shortly to discuss the article further. You can access the article here. If you use my article for teaching purposes, please let me know for my portfolio. Solidarity to all those with messy stories and struggling […]
April
14
Podcast- Trauma-informed teaching
posted by plasticdollheads
I have recorded a short podcast below on the value of trauma-informed teaching. I write about trauma throughout my blog and as a teacher with CPTSD I am committed to a trauma-led pedagogical approach. I welcome contact on twitter @plasticdollheads Or via email me via my institution staff webpage here. Kind wishes, Gemma x
March
06
‘Carceral feminism’ and its critics
posted by plasticdollheads
***Trigger warning, this blog post contains emotive and distressing descriptions and content. This is very much the start of a conversation and a series of articles I am drafting in response to critiques of ‘carceral feminism’. It is by no means an absolute answer. I will engage respectfully with those who wish to genuinely reach […]
March
06
Trauma and reclaiming the body
posted by plasticdollheads
***Trigger warning: some of this content relates to sexual assault and trauma*** As with most of my ideas they emerge in the classroom or at random times. Instagram scrolling is totally work. One of the modules I lead is SOCI256 Power, Culture and Social Control. This is an innovative and exciting module to teach, with […]
February
27
Girl on Fire
posted by plasticdollheads
“We reach her as, of course, as we meet all poetic resources blocked from us by mindless packaging and spiritless scholarship” (Adrienne Rich, 1993, p. 101). I write this the weekend before my 37th birthday. My Ph.D was a fluke. I had 6 hours to write my proposal after seeing the scholarship advert the day […]
November
08
Criminologist or Criminal? Liminal spaces and trauma
posted by plasticdollheads
[**trigger warning- this post contains depictions of extreme violence that you may find causes distress**]. A recent incident by a journalist has left me reeling in terms of mental heath. I have decided to share this writing here and welcome contact from fellow survivors. I will not be debating abolitionism or having to justify or […]
August
30
The digital self and boundaries
posted by plasticdollheads
I am writing this on a bank holiday Sunday afternoon. The dogs have been walked at one of our favourite places pictured here in the glorious sun, the house is scrubbed, online church done, incense and candles are on, and I am gearing up to peel myself off the sofa and head back out. […]
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