Professor Jennifer Prah, ‘Post-Separation Abuse: An Ignored Public Health Crisis and Preventable Injustice’

St Catherine’s College proudly presents the next talk in the Trinity Edition of Catz in Conversation – our all-new webinar series by alumni, for everyone.

On Wednesday, 6th May at 6pm, Professor Jennifer Prah (1991, MSc Comparative Social Research) will share insights from her landmark research examining post-separation abuse as a critical and often overlooked public health crisis. Drawing on her research at the intersection of health equity, law, and policy, Jennifer will explore the prevalence and human rights implications of psychological and physical violence against women and children, with particular emphasis on intimate partner violence and its enduring, intergenerational consequences.

Having worked extensively across global health policy and medical ethics, Jennifer will reflect on the ways in which post-separation violence has historically been minimised or treated as a private matter, despite its clear status as a public health emergency. She will consider the urgent need for systemic reform, including the role of healthcare professionals, legal officials, and child protection frameworks in identifying, preventing, and responding to ongoing abuse. Through this discussion, Jennifer will highlight how institutions and individuals alike can better prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and rights of those affected.

Aimed at anyone with an interest in public health, social justice, law, and policy, this webinar is merely the latest in a long line of lectures, publications, and international contributions from Professor Jennifer Prah.

Professor Jennifer Prah

Professor Jennifer Prah (1991, MSc Comparative Social Research) is the Amartya Sen Professor of Health Equity, Economics and Policy and Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. Her work focuses on advancing health equity and addressing structural injustice through interdisciplinary research and policy engagement.

Her recent article, Post-Separation Abuse: An Ignored Public Health Crisis and Preventable Injustice (co-authored with Professor Lawrence O. Gostin), was featured in The Lancet, reflecting its significance within global health discourse. Her research examines the systemic failures that allow post-separation abuse to persist, and advances a framework for recognising such abuse as both a human rights violence and a preventable injustice.

Professor Prah’s work spans global health law, ethics, and policy, with particular expertise in the protection of vulnerable populations, the reform of legal and healthcare systems, and the promotion of equitable, accountable institutions. She continues to work with international organisations, policymakers, and academic institutions to develop strategies that address violence, strengthen public health systems, and support those most at risk.

To secure your place at our full term of online talks, please see here. All talks in the series are scheduled for either a lunchtime (1-2pm) or an evening (6-7pm) slot. All are free to attend and open to all. Lasting 45 minutes and followed by an audience Q&A, these talks are the perfect chance to strengthen your professional network, to advance your knowledge, and to hear from past generations of Catz alumni working in future-forward fields.

All webinars are hosted on Zoom. Unless stated otherwise, they are recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel.

Date

6 May, 2026

Time

6 - 7pm

Venue

Online, via Zoom

Price

Free