A qualitative approach was undertaken utilising the theoretical frameworks of ‘Grounded Theory’ (GT), Messerschmidt's (2014) theory of ‘Structured Action’ and Perry’s (2001) theory of ‘Doing Difference’ to explore the experiences and perceptions of victims and professionals.

The academic research aimed to critically analyse the concepts and phenomena that underpin men as victims of so-called honour-based violence (HBV) in the United Kingdom (UK). This was achieved by examining the notion of so-called honour and the crimes associated with honour-based violence. The thesis focused on men as victims, as there is a significant gap in knowledge. Recent literature primarily investigates women as victims in the UK, focusing on female honour killings while neglecting high-profile male honour killings.

The academic research further sought to critically explore and analyse whether the legal system could better understand the circumstances of male victims of so-called honour-based violence, alongside to what extent it could be better prepared to handle male victims.

Through diverse concepts such as denial, strategic ignorance, mystification, and agnosis, research on the politics of ‘unknowing’ has offered crucial insights into the cultural and discursive processes that sustain and normalise harmful state practices.

Drawing on and building on this scholarship, this paper explores the role of ignorance, broadly conceived, in underpinning and normalising the classed and racialised violence of criminal punishment. In particular, the paper explores the forms of ignorance that have been mobilised to legitimise the criminalisation of protest in the wake of police killings.

The paper looks to recent moments of uprising and unrest across the globe that have sought to draw attention to deaths following contact with the police. It explores how media coverage and political discourses have framed both the deaths, and the protests that have emerged in their aftermath.

It argues that forms of active and strategic unknowing have been central in shaping public dialogue about such deaths, in discrediting those involved in protesting, and in securing (or at least seeking) consent for the introduction of authoritarian legislation that further criminalises and harms those resisting the violence of the state.

Skegness, a coastal town in Lincolnshire, England, renowned for its beaches and vibrant tourism industry of 2.3 million visitors per year, has been experiencing a disturbing increase in public violence incidents. Reports indicate a 386% rise between 2012 and 2022, with a significant spike of 159% post-COVID-19 era (Skegness Standard, 2023; Brighton Analytics, 2023; UKCrimeStats, 2023). This study delved into the escalating issue of public violence in Skegness, elucidating the experiences and perceptions of professionals deeply rooted within the community.

Employing Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), insights were garnered from nine participants holding diverse roles, ranging from police officers to youth workers. The research aimed to understand the multifaceted determinants of violence, its intensification amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the broader socio-economic implications while also seeking potential interventions from those familiar with the ground realities.

Four superordinate themes emerged: Resources and Infrastructure, which shed light on funding constraints and systemic challenges; Social and Economic Dynamics, underscoring local opportunities, youth engagement, and the implications of external influences; Health and Well-being, emphasising the intertwined nature of mental health, substance misuse, and the necessity for multifaceted interventions; and Community Relations and Engagement, highlighting the significance of proactive community collaboration over merely reactionary measures.

The findings not only provide a deep dive into the specific challenges faced by Skegness but also resonate with the broader struggles of coastal communities. The perspectives of the professionals underscore the urgency of addressing both the surface symptoms and the root causes of violence. Through the lens of Skegness, this research contributes to the broader discourse on public violence in coastal towns, laying a foundation for future research and policies.