EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS
Sexual offence interviewing: Towards victim-survivor well-being and justice
Background
This project aims to improve the way victim-survivors are interviewed in sexual offence cases by examining their experiences and perceptions of investigative interview techniques. It expects to generate new knowledge about interview techniques that can promote victim well-being and bolster sexual offence investigations. Expected outcomes include new theoretical frameworks in the field of investigative interviewing and an innovative toolkit of victim-centred training resources to directly inform investigative interview policies and practices in sexual offence cases. Anticipated benefits include better victim experiences of investigative interviews and enhanced justice responses to sexual violence.
Aim
This project aims to elevate the voices of Australian adult victim-survivors of sexual violence and draw on their lived experience of investigative interviews to advance scholarship and practice in sexual offence interviewing.
The research seeks to:
1. Explore victim-survivors’ experiences of investigative interviews in sexual offence cases and suggestions for improvement.
2. Examine victim-survivors’ perceptions of current and emerging investigative interviewing techniques and their potential to promote victim well-being.
3. Exemplify news ways of thinking about knowledge and practice in the investigative interviewing field.
Methods
The project is being conducted in three phases and includes:
- Qualitative interviews with adult victim-survivors in Australia
- An online survey of victim-survivors in Australia
- Focus groups and the development of victim-centred and trauma-informed training resources