Each year, the Journal of Criminology, supported by Sage Publications, awards the Allen Austin Bartholomew Award for the best journal article published in the Journal from the previous year.
In 2025, co-authors Elizabeth Stanley, Zeni Gibson and India Craddock, Victoria University of Wellington, won the Bartholomew award for their article, ‘Performing ignorance of state violence in Aotearoa New Zealand’, Vol. 57, Issue 4.
Their article analyses strategies and outcomes from the Aotearoa New Zealand Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care of children, young people and vulnerable adults from 1950-99 to identify the multiple layers of ‘ignorance-making’.
PacifiCrim is delighted to share reflections from co-author, India Craddock on this award winning experience.
I am honoured to receive this award, alongside Professor Elizabeth Stanley and Zeni Gibson. Receiving the Allen Austin Bartholomew Award shows that there is support for the mahi (work) that we have undertaken on state violence, and for the morehu (survivors) of this violence.
‘Performing ignorance of state violence in Aotearoa New Zealand’ considers the multiple layers of ignorance-making from state representatives in their responses to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. The Inquiry charted horrific violence by state and faith-based workers including torture, sexual assaults, serious physical violence, and layers of neglect and discrimination. Māori have been especially targeted as victims of abuse and harms.
A large support, and inspiration, was from the primary author of this paper, Professor Elizabeth Stanley, who has published and researched extensively on issues relating to abuse in care and state violence. Lizzy’s work has always supported morehu (survivors) through an illustrious and impactful career.
