Women’s experience of sexual revictimisation in regional and rural areas

Background

Research highlights that women who experience child sex abuse have a higher risk of experiencing sexual revictimisation later in life. Evidence suggests revictimisation is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive disorders, including a higher risk of suicidal ideation, self-harm and PTSD symptoms. While exploration of the short- and long-term health impacts associated with revictimisation reveal detrimental impacts, it has also produced an overwhelming focus on victim and survivor behavioural "risk" factors that predispose them to further sexual violence. This encourages a victim-blaming approach and has limited analysis of the social and cultural conditions that enable perpetration of sexual violence.

Aim

This industry PhD aims to increase understanding of women’s experiences of sexual revictimisation in regional and rural spaces. This research will illuminate the complex and intersecting nature of sexual revictimisation and regional/rural location, providing in-depth knowledge for rural support agencies, including policy and prevention, while informing future revictimisation research.

Methods

This project is utilising a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. Methods have included a focus group consultation with sexual violence counsellors from a sexual violence response organisation located in a regional location, observation of a 9-week therapeutic program with regional/rural women who have experienced sexual revictimisation, and pre- and post-program semi-structured interviews with women who attended the program.

Significance

There is a lack of qualitative research that considers regional/rural women’s experiences of sexual revictimisation, including the social and cultural conditions that enable this violence to occur. Findings will provide in-depth qualitative data to inform future practice and policy, while supporting the development of appropriate and effective interventions for sexually revictimised clients.

Project start date

March 2020

Expected completion date

July 2023