Personal profile
University profile
Dr. Daniela Peterka-Benton, associate professor, has a PhD in Sociology with a specialization in Criminology from the University of Vienna, Austria. Her research interests center around transnational crimes such as human trafficking, human smuggling, arms trafficking, and right-wing terrorism and extremism. Dr. Peterka-Benton teaches courses including Intro to International Justice and Research in Justice Studies and has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals including International Migration Review, Journal of the Institute of Justice & International Studies, and Journal of Applied Security Research.
Research interests
Center around transnational crimes such as human trafficking, human smuggling, arms trafficking, and right-wing terrorism and extremism.
Scholarly Interests
Transnational Crime (human trafficking/smuggling); Terrorism and Culture; Right-wing Extremism/Terrorism
Teaching
Intro to International Justice and Research in Justice Studies
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 5 Gender Equality -
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Fighting Disinformation Online: The Digital Services Act in the American Context
Peterka-Benton, D., Jan 2025, In: Social Sciences. 14, 1, 28.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access1 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
From conspiracy to normalcy: The mainstreaming of QAnon in “Disney grooming” messages online
Peterka-Benton, D., Benton, B. & Penney, J., Apr 2025, In: Crime, Media, Culture. 21, 2, p. 169-186 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
4 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
The Intersection of Human Trafficking and Disabilities: Editors’ Introduction to the Special Issue
Peterka-Benton, D. & Bowman, M. E., 2025, In: Journal of Human Trafficking. 11, 1, p. 1-3 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial
1 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
(Re)Framing abortion: the lamination of trafficking in reproductive rights discourse
Benton, B. & Peterka-Benton, D., 2024, (Accepted/In press) In: Atlantic Journal of Communication.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
The Trouble with Numbers: Difficult Decision Making in Identifying Right-Wing Terrorism Cases. An Investigative Look at Open Source Social Scientific and Legal Data
Peterka-Benton, D. & Laguardia, F., 2024, In: Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. 47, 5, p. 502-525 24 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access2 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations
Press/Media
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Human trafficking warnings derail hearing on bills to protect abortion rights
Peterka-Benton, D. & Benton, B.
9/03/26
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
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Why the return of a long-rejected word is worrying US disability advocates
Peterka-Benton, D. & Benton, B.
17/02/26
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
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The ‘R-Word’ Returns, Dismaying Those Who Fought to Oust It
Peterka-Benton, D. & Benton, B.
26/01/26
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
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Local parents, disability advocates condemn Trump's use of 'R-word' Slur Researchers find its general use rises after public figures say it
Peterka-Benton, D. & Benton, B.
6/12/25 → 8/12/25
3 items of Media coverage
Press/Media
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A Complete History of the R-Word, the MAGA Movement’s Favorite Slur
Peterka-Benton, D. & Benton, B.
6/12/25
2 items of Media coverage
Press/Media