From CrimeCon to Global Recognition: Laura Richards Awarded Honorary Doctorate for Advocacy Work

Internationally renowned criminal behavioral analyst Laura Richards has been awarded the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) from The University of Law in London, honoring her decades of groundbreaking work in law enforcement, social justice, and public safety.

While many of us in the entertainment and lifestyle world admire those who are breaking boundaries, Laura breaks barriers in real life: transforming how the world understands and responds to stalking, coercive control, and domestic abuse. From her early days analyzing violent crime at New Scotland Yard to advising governments and law enforcement agencies across the UK, US, and Australia, her work has saved countless lives and reshaped policy worldwide.

Richards’ pioneering achievements include founding Paladin, the world’s first National Stalking Advocacy Service, and creating the DASH Risk Model, now used globally to assess domestic abuse and stalking risks. She has also led ten successful law reforms, including the criminalization of stalking and coercive control. We know that the majority of our readers consider themselves strong, independent women who strive for equality, and Laura Richards is the epitome of that: demonstrating through her work how dedication, courage, and expertise can create real-world change.

In addition to her policy and advocacy work, Laura is a frequent speaker at CrimeCon, which has been hosted in Nashville twice; an event attended by many of Grubs & Grooves followers. Her presentations combine expert analysis with real-world insight, captivating audiences while empowering them with knowledge about preventing abuse and understanding criminal behavior.

Beyond live events, Laura is a media powerhouse. She’s executive produced hit documentaries like Dirty John: The Dirty Truth and Netflix’s Killer in the Family, and hosts the award-winning podcasts Crime Analyst and Real Crime Profile, reaching millions of listeners worldwide.

Speaking on her honorary doctorate, Richards reflected, “Change doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by choice. This recognition belongs to every survivor who shared their story and every professional who refused to accept abuse as a ‘low-level nuisance.’ Together, we can change and save lives.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that courage, expertise, and advocacy can move mountains...or in Laura’s case, transform entire systems. For everyone reading, it’s proof that behind every headline, there are heroes quietly reshaping the world.

For more information, visit www.thelaurarichards.com and follow Laura on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube. Become part of the Crime Analyst Squad by joining Patreon today!