Hanna-Mari Lahtinen

Hanna Lahtinen (PhD) is a psychologist specialized in legal psychology and works as a university lecturer at University of Eastern Finland. Investigating child abuse and developing better practice for children to get access to justice has been her main interest as a practitioner and an academic for over two decades now. Her research has focused on child abuse disclosure and training investigative interviewers. Lahtinen is also an expert-member at the Administrative court of Eastern Finland and trains professionals from different fields in interviewing children. She is currently involved on two projects:

1)  Project Lens is an initiative led by Protect Children in collaboration with ChildFund International and the University of Eastern Finland, which aims to understand and prevent emerging forms of image-based sexual violence against children. Project Lens will build a robust knowledge base to inform and implement a comprehensive, system-wide response to existing and emerging forms of image-based sexual violence against children.

Read more: https://www.suojellaanlapsia.fi/en/project-lens

2) COST Action to Establish networks to implement the principles on effective interviewing for investigations (ImpleMendéz) during 1.10.2023 – 30.9.2027. The project aims to support and improve national and international networks for wider implementation of the ‘Mendez Principles’, ending cruel and inhumane practices that have adversely affected so many lives through unethical interrogations. Lahtinen represents Finland in the Management Committee of the project and is a co-leader in the Working group 3 (Vulnerability themes). The project is funded by European Union.

Read more:

https://uefconnect.uef.fi/en/group/implemendez-establishing-networks-to-implement-the-principles-on-effective-interviewing-for-investigations/

https://implemendez.eu/