PEOPLE WHO USE VIOLENCE (NPRF 24.09)
Building an evidence-based response to sexual violence perpetration against LGBTQ+ people in Australia
2 years
A growing body of research demonstrates that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and other sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) people experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence across their lives.
Yet, empirical research, theoretical frameworks and policy responses have overwhelmingly focused on sexual violence perpetrated by cisgender, heterosexual men against cisgender, heterosexual women. Sexual violence against LGBTQ+ people often remains overlooked and poorly understood.
Research aims
This project aims to generate actionable knowledge to respond to sexual violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, focusing on social forces, risk factors and characteristics of people who use DFSV . There are four objectives to achieving this aim:
- Recognition and understanding: explore how sexual violence is recognised and understood by both LGBTQ+ victims and people who use violence, particularly within cis-normative and heteronormative contexts. Early intervention is crucial for engaging people who use DFSV in programs and improving safety.
- Identifying person-level characteristics: identify the characteristics, contexts, norms and beliefs that shape sexual violence against LGBTQ+ people. Current frameworks often overlook LGBTQ+ contexts due to cis-normative and heteronormative assumptions.
- Developing resources: create resources to help service providers and policymakers better understand, prevent and support LGBTQ+ victims of sexual violence. Building sector and workforce capabilities is essential for culturally safe support and prevention efforts.
- Upskilling lived experience: enhance research and advocacy skills among those with lived experience. This approach aligns with good practice frameworks, ensuring that those with victim and survivor lived experience can make meaningful contributions to research design and delivery and advance their skills in research and knowledge translation.
Methods
Our approach involves flexible and innovative data collection methods that acknowledge the under-reporting of sexual violence. Multiple strands of data collection, emphasising intersectionality and underpinned by the voices of those with lived experience as victims and survivors, will provide a nuanced understanding of sexual violence perpetration against LGBTQ+ individuals. This approach will explore how various forms of discrimination intersect based on gender, sexuality, race, social class, age and disability experiences.
Our three streams of work are informed by feminist and queer methodologies that centre on equality and critique patriarchy, challenge norms and employ inclusive, participatory research to amplify the voices and experiences of women and marginalised communities. They include in-depth qualitative interviews with:
- LGBTQ+ individuals who have perpetrated sexual violence
- LGBTQ+ survivors of adult sexual violence in Australia
- service providers from LGBTQ+ and community organisations across Australia, as well as mainstream organisations providing sexual violence intervention or support to LGBTQ+ people.
Significance
This project will generate vital new knowledge that will support efforts to:
- better recognise and respond to LGBTQ+ sexual violence in policy and practice
- inform the development of effective prevention initiatives and interventions for people who use sexual violence against LGBTQ+ people
- increase the capacity of LGBTQ+ community-controlled organisations and other services to respond to sexual violence against LGBTQ+ people.
Findings from this research have the potential to improve health, social and justice outcomes for a marginalised population and can inform the development of new theoretical or explanatory frameworks that account for LGBTQ+ people’s experiences.
Researchers
Project lead
Professor Adam Bourne, Director, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), La Trobe University
Research team
Dr Jess Ison, Senior Lecturer (ReGen) Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research
Associate Professor Bianca Fileborn, A/Prof Criminology, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Laura Tarzia, Principal Research Fellow in the Department of General Practice and Primary Care, co-lead, Sexual and Family Violence (SAFE) program, University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Angela Dwyer, Police Studies and Emergency Management, University of Tasmania
Professor Nicole Asquith, Policing and Emergency Management, University of Tasmania
Dr Shane Worrell, Research Officer, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), La Trobe University
Dr Sophie Hindes, Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University, Research Fellow, University of Queensland, Research Associate, RMIT.
Professor Leesa Hooker, Associate Dean Research and Industry Engagement, La Trobe Rural Health School and Principal Research Fellow at the Rural Health School and the Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University
Budget
$246,758 (excluding GST)
This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.