In this episode, Dr Rachel Keighley and Simone Taghavi, are joined by Professor Josep María Tamarit, a leading authority in Criminal Law and Victimology from the Open University of Catalonia. Together, we explore the limitations of the traditional criminal justice system and the transformative potential of restorative justice in healing community harm. Professor Tamarit provides a deep dive into the evolving nature of victimisation in the digital age, examining the unique ecosystems of video game environments and the psychological impact of cyber-hate where physical presence is absent.

A central part of our discussion focuses on the nuances of legal frameworks, comparing the UK’s debate on misogyny with Spain’s distinct gender-based violence legal model to understand how these labels change the support available to victims. We also address the critical systemic barriers and social stigmas that prevent marginalised groups, such as sex workers, from identifying as victims or reporting hate crimes to the authorities. By navigating the conflict between traditional social morals and the reality of sex work, Professor Tamarit highlights the policy changes necessary to dismantle these barriers and provide better protection for all victims of hate-motivated crimes.