ProfessorSusan Heward-Belle

Professor Heward-Belle maintains an active presence in the community and non-government sectors that her research serves. She is Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of DV West and a Director of Barnardos Australia, contributing governance leadership to organisations working directly with women, children and families affected by violence and disadvantage. She is an affiliate of the Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families. Internationally, she was co-chair of the Women's Interest Group of the International Association of Schools of Social Work and contributed to the World Universities Network working group on gender-based violence.

Her engagement extends into policy advocacy and public debate. She has authored and contributed to formal submissions, including a submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission's review of the family law system and an international statement on reproductive rights and abortion from a social work perspective. She is a sought-after public commentator on violence against women and children, contributing expert analysis across national media including the ABC, SBS, The Guardian and major newspapers, and appearing as a panellist and keynote speaker at events ranging from sector conferences and government forums to community rallies. Through invited keynotes, professional workshops and accredited trainer roles, she works to build the capacity of the practitioners, agencies and legal professionals responding to domestic violence and child protection.