Dr Paul Greenall (Audio); Understanding Stranger Sexual Violence: Insights and Impacts

In this discussion David Jones and Naomi Murphy meet with Dr. Paul Greenall. Dr. Greenall is a seasoned forensic psychologist with extensive experience in secure mental health hospitals and NHS services within prisons.

Paul delves into the complexities of forensic practice, particularly focusing on the nuances of sexual violence and the importance of treating each case as unique. He emphasizes the need for an ideographic approach, which means understanding the individual circumstances and motivations behind each offender's actions rather than relying solely on group-based research.

This perspective is crucial, as it acknowledges that even similar offenses can stem from vastly different reasons depending on the individual involved.  Paul shares his journey into the field, starting from his early experiences at Ashworth Hospital, Liverpool. He reflects on how these experiences shaped his understanding of the emotional toll that forensic work can take on practitioners. He candidly discusses the potential for desensitisation and the development of gallows humour as coping mechanisms in a profession that often deals with extreme and distressing behaviors.

The conversation also touches on the societal perceptions of sexual violence, particularly how crime dramas can distort public understanding by portraying stranger assaults as more common than they actually are. Paul points out that most sexual offenses occur within personal relationships, highlighting the need for a more accurate representation of these issues in media and public discourse.

Throughout the discussion, Paul advocates for the importance of free speech and the value of maintaining a compassionate and positive outlook in forensic practice. He acknowledges the challenges faced by professionals in the field, including the risk of cynicism and burnout, and emphasizes the necessity of self-care and maintaining a sense of purpose. Listeners are encouraged to consider the individual stories behind criminal behavior and to approach each case with empathy and an open mind.

Paul's research; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paul-Greenall

Paul's book; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sexual-Offending-Strangers-Paul-Greenall/dp/1032109319

Find Paul here; https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-paul-v-greenall-b470a3300