Sexual violence research

Background

Sexual violence is highly prevalent in our society, yet forms of sexual violence such as child sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual exploitation remain some of the most under-reported of serious offences. Research has found that many people in the community hold attitudes and beliefs that justify, conceal, excuse or minimise sexual victimisation. Victims and survivors often do not speak out about these experiences because of fear, shame and the lack of community understanding about the range of circumstances in which sexual violence occurs, and its impact on victims and survivors.

Sexual violence often intersects with other forms of harm such as family and domestic violence, bullying and interpersonal violence more broadly. Sexual victimisation also has complex relationships with mental health, relationships, parenting, alcohol and other drugs, and social disadvantage.

These intersections can present challenges for prevention efforts, policy development and service responses.

Aim

The Sexual Violence Research team focuses on exploring issues related to sexual violence, such as:
- child sexual abuse
- child and adolescent problem sexual behaviours
- adult sexual assault
- prevention of sexual violence
- perpetration and sexual offending.

A key focus of our work is on understanding how these issues connect to other domains of child and family wellbeing.

Project start date

January 2016