BSWAC
Beyond The Stone Walls Advisory Collective is a unique platform composed of people with lived experience of the criminal justice system (CSJ), university students, researchers and CJS practitioners. Our purpose is to create meaningful change in the criminal justice system and foster long lasting community connections.
Amplifying lived experience voices to drive social change and build community
Our Story
Beyond the Stones Walls Advisory Collective (BSWAC) was established in 2020 and is led by academic Associate Professor Marietta Martinovic (Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University). BSWAC is comprised of people with lived experience of the criminal justice system (CJS), university students, researchers, and CJS practitioners. We are consulted by a range of stakeholders in the justice sector about complex issues arising from criminal justice policies, and we advise on possible solutions by amplifying the voices of people with lived CJS experiences. Through reflection and story-telling, we inspire and influence systemic social change.
BSWAC provides a unique platform for improving CJS practices through innovative and transformative ideas to address long-standing issues. We meet online every fortnight with a wide range of stakeholders, and provide advice on a variety of topics. We collaborate with stakeholders to brainstorm solutions that are beneficial to all interested parties. The work of BSWAC has received positive feedback from stakeholders, and many of the recommendations have already been implemented.
Mission
Our purpose is to bring the voices of diverse lived experiences of the criminal justice system to key stakeholders in order to advise about possible solutions to complex issues related to criminal justice policies. The varied membership of BSWAC (ex-incarcerated people, practitioners, and researchers) ensures that any advice produced in consultation with us will be carefully constructed through consideration of people’s personal experiences combined with the latest research on best practice.
Vision
We have a vision of bringing systemic change to the criminal justice sector which is led by the voices of diverse lived experiences in combination with the latest research on best practice. We believe this is best accomplished by fostering long-lasting community connections, and challenging the stereotypes and barriers around people with lived criminal justice experience.
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Make a donation
Your donation to the Beyond the Stone Walls Advisory Collective at RMIT can help us continue our advisory role within the Criminal Justice System as well as support the development of key initiatives such as newsletters, podcasts, community forums and art exhibitions.
