Exploring the Potential of Virtual Environments in Addressing Domestic Violence and Abuse in the pracademic classroom

Despite widespread recognition of Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) as a critical societal issue, the criminal justice system often struggles to address its complexity effectively. Recently, digital technologies have emerged as potential solutions, supporting and empowering victims and engaging abusers towards desistance. This chapter explores the role of Teaching and Learning within Higher Education (HE) in addressing DVA, focusing on a digital/virtual learning tool—a 360-degree immersive panorama—integrated into a second-year module on DVA in criminology and criminal justice undergraduate programmes. Based on a singular prototype DVA case study, this tool reflects the lived experiences of both victims and perpetrators, aiming to enhance students' understanding of risk indicators and abuser tactics. Findings from student focus groups at a UK post-1992 HEI highlight the value of experiential learning through the immersive panorama in deepening comprehension of DVA scenarios. The tool bridges real-world application and theoretical frameworks, promoting an evidence-based culture and transformational learning. The study highlights the importance of pracademics—professionals who bridge theory and practice through lived experiences—in enriching educational settings. Additionally, it suggests the potential broader application of digital resources in training and professional development across the criminal justice system.