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Nicole Murphy

Modern Slavery Casework Assistant at Medaille Trust, Merseyside

BSc (Hons) Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behaviour

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"Before joining Edge Hill, I had a fairly narrow-minded view of the world. Being able to change and grow as a person has been so important for a career where I support victims and survivors."

Quite often when a crime is committed, the offender is sentenced, and justice is considered served. But the victims of the crime are often left behind with little support. Learning this is what led me to pursue my degree at Edge Hill. I wanted to offer that support to help victims recover from their experiences, to make a change and be there for the people who really need someone to lean on.

I loved how the topic of each lecture would open up the room to debate. It was so insightful to explore other people’s views and opinions. The course opened up my mind and enabled me to become more empathetic and less judgemental. Before joining Edge Hill, I had a fairly narrow-minded view of the world. Being able to change and grow as a person has been so important for a career where I support victims and survivors. Being a subjective and non-judgemental source of support is crucial, and my degree definitely prepared me for that.

My lecturers at Edge Hill helped me to secure work experience which set me up to start my dream career. They helped me get a placement with City Hearts, supporting victims of human trafficking. This was the springboard into the job I have now, and I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d be doing if I hadn’t had the support with that opportunity.

In my day-to-day role, I work within a safe house where survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery live while they are recovering. I provide emotional support for residents, talking to them daily and signposting them to counsellors, solicitors and community groups. I also organise trips and activities for the residents, which helps them to get to know each other and supports their wellbeing and recovery. In the future, I hope to take my skills and experience into a role supporting offenders, helping them to rehabilitate. I strongly believe people can change and deserve a second chance at life, and I want to play a role in that.

Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behaviour is the most unique degree you could possibly study, but in the most positive way imaginable. The lecturers are truly passionate about the topics they teach, and studying at Edge Hill truly inspired me to pursue the career I had dreamt of.