IMPACT
Language analysis should make a difference beyond academia. Whether supporting police investigations, improving communication with victims and survivors, or helping organisations develop evidence-informed policy, my work has influenced professional practice across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
1
Improving Professional Communication
Every organisation relies on communication, yet language is often overlooked as a factor in shaping professional practice and outcomes. My work bridges this gap.
I work with organisations across policing, healthcare, education and the voluntary sector to explore how everyday language choices influence understanding, trust, and decision-making. For example, in 2026 I developed Language Matters, national language-awareness guidance for the College of Policing, with Superintendent Sharon Baker. The guidance helps police officers recognise how language can shape the experiences of victims and survivors and is being rolled out across all 43 police forces in England and Wales.
My work has shown that even small changes in how we use language can make a significant difference.
2
Supporting Victims and Survivors
Much of my work focuses on understanding how language shapes the experiences of victims and survivors.
I work collaboratively with people who have lived experience of abuse in its many forms to identify where language can reinforce harmful assumptions, for example, through blaming victims (see my work on the Hillsborough Disaster), minimising experiences or shifting responsibility away from those who cause harm.
I work on the fundamental premise that victims and survivors should be central to research and practice if we are to improve routes to justice, make social spaces safer and more inclusive, and collaboratively develop more thoughtful, trauma-informed communication that promotes dignity and builds trust.
3
Influencing Policy & Practice
I work with organisations to translate linguistic research into practical guidance, training, and policy. My work focuses particularly on violence against women and girls (VAWG), examining how language influences the investigation, interpretation, and prosecution of cases.
Most recently, I led a British Academy-funded project investigating the relationship between police officers’ language choices in VAWG investigations and prosecutorial outcomes across police forces within England and Wales and New Zealand.
Feedback from my research-based police training consistently cites the beneficial impact it has had on individual officers' practice (see Testimonials).
TESTIMONIALS
David Ashton, Cumbria Police
Head of Crime,
Public Protection, Intelligence & Forensics
"Patricia's engaging delivery and style has led to paradigm shifts in practice with many officers declaring a "light bulb" effect."
Daniel Byron, Metropolitan Police Service
Detective Inspector,
Domestic Abuse Policy Team
"Your presentation provided our media teams with food for thought about the structure and therefore tone of their press releases and news articles and how this can influence attitudes towards domestic abuse and violence against women. The question and answer section was a testament to how well the attendees engaged with your material and you as a presenter and just how informative and stimulating your presentation was."
Rachel Williams
Domestic abuse survivor and campaigner
"Dr Patricia Canning’s work has fundamentally changed how we understand the role of language in responding to domestic abuse. As a survivor and campaigner, I know that words are never ‘just words’—they shape belief, influence professional decision-making, and can either empower or silence victims and survivors. Every organisation working with people affected by domestic abuse should receive linguistic training informed by Dr Canning’s research. Getting the language right is not about political correctness; it is about improving safety, reducing victim-blaming, increasing accountability of perpetrators, and ultimately delivering better outcomes for those seeking support.”
Participants on 'Language Matters' Training
UK Police Forces
"Every time I write up an investigation I will consider this training"
"The session was absolutely brilliant"
"Really enlightening and interesting afternoon"
"Really informative from someone who understood the challenges that police faced"
"Perfectly presented and really hits home"
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
Policy and Engagement Officer
"Thank you so much Patricia...I am so proud of [the guidance] we have created together [Ending victim-blaming language]"
Safe Lives & Cafcass (UK)
Michelle Phillips, Domestic Abuse Practice Development Manager
"Unforgettable" is one word I use to describe my first conversation with Patrica six years ago. "Powerful", "impactful" and "transformative" are three more. I have always cared about words and Patricia opened my eyes and ears to how words can change whether someone is seen as a victim or perpetrator of domestic abuse. Her ability to shine the brightest light on subtle nuances on why and how everyday words are used is hugely influential in my work and my ability to influence others, including Cafcass Domestic Abuse Practice policy that highlights the impact language (such as the word ‘allegation’) has for victims, their children, and professionals.
Language analysis is absolutely crucial, but, Patricia’s personality, approach and style of sharing her skills is why her expertise has had the impact it has.
Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA)
Susan Bright, CEO
