PEOPLE WHO USE VIOLENCE (NPRF 24.02)
Measuring domestic, family and sexual violence perpetration in Australia
2 years
Little is known in Australia about the perpetrators of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV), their patterns of perpetration, the risk factors for the use of violence, or potential points of intervention.
Much research has focused on those who experience violence rather than also those who commit it. National and state strategies detail the need to address the perpetration of DFSV if we are to end violence against women and children within a generation.
Research aims
This project aims to measure the extent, character and drivers of the perpetration of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence. The project aims to use New South Wales (NSW) as a model to begin building a comprehensive national profile of DFSV perpetration. It involves a representative survey and an analysis of existing data sets to determine the prevalence of DFSV perpetration.
Methods
The project includes a representative survey of the NSW population, the DFSV Perpetration Survey, and an analysis of existing data sets. The survey involves a weighted sample of 2,000 men, women and people of other genders aged 16 years and older.
The survey will consist of a range of questions that seek to understand the extent and patterns of perpetration and its drivers.
We will also map existing data on DFSV perpetration to understand what is already being collected and how this can be useful in benchmarking and monitoring, assessing the efficacy of reduction strategies, and evaluation of interventions.
Significance
The project will make six contributions to preventing and reducing DFSV:
- Provide vital knowledge on violence, by mapping who uses violence, why, when, how, and where.
- Guide prevention and reduction efforts, including interventions for those using or at risk of using DFSV.
- Provide a third key benchmark for measuring progress in reducing DFSV.
- Change the framing by helping to bring perpetrators into view, naming their behaviour as the defining problem, and shifting the burden off victims.
- Identify protective factors against the use of DFSV.
- Identify opportunities to improve data on perpetration.
Researchers
Project lead
Professor Michael Flood, Queensland University of Technology
Research team
Dr Emma Fulu, Executive Director, The Equality Institute
Lula Dembele, General Manager Lived Experience and Co-Production, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand
Loksee Leung, Research and Evaluation, Senior Manager, The Equality Institute
Dr Jozica Kutin, General Manager Policy, Advisory & Service Impact, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand
Dr Patricia Cullen, Senior Lecturer, University of New South Wales
Budget
$349,036 (excluding GST)
This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.