Continuing the legacy of dedicated criminologist Dr Nina Westera

As a passionate and dedicated criminologist, the late Dr Nina Westera’s work to build a better world does not stop with her passing. 

A heartfelt donation made in her name to The Centre for Investigative Interviewing will ensure her legacy continues to help improve the lives of generations to come.  

Dr Nina Westera, who maintained deep connections to Griffith Criminology Institute (GCI) throughout her career, was devoted to helping ensure victims of crime could receive justice, have their voices heard and be supported in the interviewing and reporting process. 

The significant philanthropic donation to the Centre will continue Dr Westera’s legacy by supporting its work in securing justice for survivors of domestic and family violence and sexual assault.  

The Centre’s Director, Professor Martine Powell from GCI, said the loss of their beloved colleague in 2017 was felt deeply not only the Institute, but by the entire field. 

“When talking to the police, it’s critical that victims feel listened to, and as comfortable as they can be, so that they can access their memories and give their best evidence – that’s what Nina was so dedicated to,” she said.  

“This donation will help to continue Nina’s work and make a real difference for victims navigating the justice system.” 

The recent funding supports the development of specialised interview procedures that respond to the psychological and situational complexities adult victims experience, particularly in cases of repeated violence. 

As a former officer with the New Zealand Police, Dr Westera combined practical experience with innovative research to argue that many adult victims face unique memory and communication challenges when reporting traumatic incidents, challenges that are too often overlooked by traditional interview frameworks.  

Her emphasis on clarity, rapport building and tailored interview techniques foreshadowed contemporary debates about procedural justice and trauma-informed practice. 

Dr Sonja Brubacher, Professor Powell and others will conduct and oversee research projects building on Dr Westera’s initial work, investigating the conditions under which interviewers can most effectively facilitate recall and maximise victim comfort and recall accuracy. 

For the Institute’s research community, Dr Westera’s legacy underscores the importance of bridging scholarship with practical justice outcomes, advancing interview frameworks that are both scientifically informed and sensitive to victim experience.

This work aligns with broader Institute goals of shaping policy and practice that reduce harm, improve evidence quality in criminal justice settings, and contribute to fairer, more effective systems of accountability. 

For more about Dr Westera and her legacy, visit www.investigativecentre.com/dr-nina-westera/