Child Protection

Drivers of Violence Against Children in Swaziland
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​Dr Mackay was recently contracted by Dr Debi Fry, University of Edinburgh to analyse and report on anonymised interview and focus group data for the Swaziland Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO), the University of Edinburgh (UoE) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) (2016) "A National Study on the Drivers of Violence Affecting Children in Swaziland", Mbabane: UNICEF Swaziland.

​Dr Mackay analysed the data using qualitative data analysis software, and applied an overarching theoretical framework, contributing findings to seven chapters of the final report. 

The use of Coercion in Child Maltreatment Investigations: comparison of American & Scottish Perspectives

Dr Mackay previously worked within the NSPCC / University of Edinburgh Child Protection Research Centre for two years and undertook research activity into a range of issues impacting on children.

Among these was collaborative research with Professor Dan Pollack (Yeshiva University, New York) and Katie Shipp (Attorney of Law) into the use of coercion in child maltreatment investigations leading to publication in the International and Comparative Law Review.

This work compared the approach taken in the USA with that of Scotland.

Child Marriage in Jordan

Dr Mackay has recently been a consultant on an exciting project led by Dr Debi Fry of Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh into Child Marriage in Jordan. This project was funded by UNICEF, Jordan.

Dr Mackay reported on the relevant law pertaining to marriage and children's rights in Jordan and contributed to the analysis of qualitative data.

Details of the study can be accessed here: 

Child Marriage in jordan