Michael O’Connell – Consulting Victimologist – ‘Evolution of Crime: Victim’s Rights’

Michael O’Connell is a consulting Victimologist; Victim Advocate for Second Chances SA; Member of the International Network of Services for Victims of Terrorism; White Ribbon Ambassador; Patron, Love and Gratitude and, Foundation Board Member of Victim Support Asia.

Michael served as the inaugural Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, South Australia (2006-2018).  Before that appointment, he served as the state’s first Victims of Crime Co-ordinator and while employed as a police officer he was appointed the state’s first Victim Impact Statement Co-ordinator.

Michael is a life member and current Secretary-General for the World Society of Victimology (WSV).  He also chairs the WSV United Nations Liaison Committee. Michael lectures and writes in the field of Victimology and criminal justice, as well as volunteers as a journal editor (e.g. Journal of Victimology and Victim Justice). In 1995 he was awarded the Australia Police Medal (APM) for his work to advance responses to the needs of victims of crime. In 2010 he received Victim Support Australasia’ national award for advancing Victimology and promoting victims’ rights; and, in 2017 he became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).