Bibliographies

Australian materials are indexed in the Australian Family and Society Abstracts Database and are available for loan from the ACSSA collection at the Australian Institute of Family Studies library. Online publications in PDF format require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Victimisation Studies: Incidence and Prevalence

Australian publications

International publications

A powerful journey: a research report. Women reflect on what helped them leave. (PDF 300K)
Parkinson, Debra; Burns, Kerry; Zara, Claire.
Wangaratta, Vic: Women's Health Goulburn North East, 2004, 43p
Sixteen women, from the Hume region (Goulburn Valley and North East Victoria), including three Koori women, and three women with culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds were interviewed about their experiences of leaving violent situations. Their stories were recorded and studied to form a qualitative research project. Their complete stories are also available in a companion volume :'A Powerful Journey - Stories of Women Leaving Violent Situations'. Women from a range of socio-economic classes were represented, with an age range from mid-twenties to mid-fifties. Some women used the family violence service system while other chose not to. All of the women had children. Recommendations are made by the women themselves on what they need or needed in order to leave violent situations. Recommendations to Federal and Victorian Government are also made.

A violent story about evil: from the witch hunts to organised sadistic abuse. (PDF 145K)
Campbell, J.
In: Expanding Our Horizons: Understanding the Complexities of Violence Against Women - International Conference, February 2002, University of Sydney - Conference papers. Kensington, NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, University of New South Wales, 2002, 12p, Online only
The Witch Hunt period was a significant time of history where a major level of legally sanctioned systematic violence committed against thousands of people, particularly women, took place. In this paper, the author presents an historical analysis of ideas about evil in relation to the Witch Hunt Period, applies this analysis to Organised Sadistic Abuse (OSA), and discusses the implications for those who work with people who have experienced OSA.

Are men and women equally violent? Understanding claim making. (PDF 200K)
Fisher, Stephen.
Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse Newsletter no.21 April 2005: 5-3, figure, and Online
A forum that addresses men as victims of domestic violence was conducted in South West Sydney in December 2004. The author was a panellist at this forum and presents his thoughts in this article. Further research that embraces a pro-feminist male positive stance is recommended.

Australian crime: facts and figures 2002.
Australian Institute of Criminology (2002)

Before it's too late: domestic violence in the Polish community: an analytical approach to defining the nature and prevalence of domestic violence in the Polish community. (PDF 2.1M)
Szczepanska, Elizabeth.
Footscray, Vic: Australian-Polish Community Services, 2004, 57p, tables, figures
The broad aim of this study was to investigate the issue of domestic violence in the Polish community and the experiences and barriers Polish women faced in seeking assistance for domestic violence. The report provides information on definitions, theories and incidences of domestic violence, and examines domestic violence in culturally and linguistically diverse groups, in particular women in the Polish community in Victoria. Key findings are given for Polish women who both did and did not access domestic violence services.

Breaking the cycle: a study of victimisation and violence in the lives of non-custodial offenders. (PDF 3.9M)
Mazerolle, Paul; Legosz, Margot.
Brisbane, Qld: Crime and Misconduct Commission, 2007, 111p, Online
Little is known about offenders serving non custodial sentences. The Offending Persons Across the Lifecourse project shows, for the first time in Australia, the criminogenic risks of noncustodial offenders. It collected sensitive personal information through interviews with 480 female and male offenders serving intensive correction or probation orders under Queensland Corrective Services. The interviews gathered information about victimisation experiences, mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, criminal activity, satisfaction with intimate relationships and involvement in correctional treatment programs. The study aimed to: assess the prevalence of various forms of child maltreatment, including physical and sexual abuse and neglect; measure the prevalence of sexual and violent victimisation during adolescence and adulthood; examine the relationship between negative early life experiences and experiences and outcomes later in life; examine the treatment needs of respondents; and examine whether victimisation experiences and their consequences differ between male and female and Indigenous and non Indigenous offenders.

Clouded judgements: young women who self harm. (PDF 367K)
Ling, Sam.
Hobart, Tas: Women Tasmania, Department of Premier and Cabinet, 2002, 41p, Online
Eight young women who have engaged in or are currently engaging in self-harming behaviour participated in qualitative interviews for this study. The study explores two key questions: the women's perceptions of responses from health care professionals regarding their self-harming behaviour; and the significance and consequences of negative responses from health care professionals. Implications of findings for health care professionals are suggested, and a range of recommendations is made.

Counting the costs of crime in Australia. (PDF 356K)
Mayhew, P; Adkins, G.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2003, 8p, tables, figures (Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice no.247), and Online
This paper presents up to date figures on the costs of a range of offences and crime as a whole in Australia. The costs assessed include medical costs, lost output, and intangible costs, which set a monetary value on pain, suffering and lost quality of life. Cost estimates are presented for homicide, assault, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, theft of vehicles, theft from vehicles, shop theft, other theft, criminal damage or vandalism, arson, fraud, drug offences, overall crime costs, and other costs, including criminal justice system costs, costs of victim assistance, security costs, household precaution costs, and insurance costs. Fraud is the most costly crime, followed by violent crime, including homicide, assault and sexual assault, and burglary.

Crime and justice in South Australia, 2004 - offences reported to police, the victims and alleged perpetrators. (PDF 1.08M)
South Australia. Office of Crime Statistics.
Adelaide, SA: Office of Crime Statistics, Attorney General's Department, 2005, 265p, tables, figures Online
This report is published annually and contains statisitics on all aspects of the South Australian criminal justice system including police incidence reports, victims of offences recorded by police and offences cleared by apprehension.

Crime victimisation.
Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Year book Australia 2007. Belconnen, ACT: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007, 3p, figures, Online
The National Crime and Safety Survey (NCSS) was carried out from April to July 2005 and collected information from individuals and households about their experience of selected crimes during the previous 12 months. The crimes covered by the NCSS included: house break ins, motor vehicle theft, robbery, assault and sexual assault. The analysis of the results given here covers: victims of crime; how much crime is reported to police; how safe do people feel; people's perceptions of neighbourhood problems.

Crime victimisation in Australia: key findings of the 2004 International Crime Victimisation Survey.
Johnson, Holly.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2005, 6p, tables, figures (Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice no.298)
The International Crime Victimisation Survey (ICVS) provides data from about 60 countries on victims' experiences and perceptions of crime and their criminal justice system. The Australian Institute of Criminology manages the Australian component of the ICVS. This bulletin provides background information on the ICVS and summarises the results of the 2004 Australian survey.

Domestic and family violence studies, surveys and statistics: pointers to policy and practice. (PDF 693K)
Marcus, Gaby; Braaf, Rochelle.
Sydney, NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2007, 16p (Stakeholder paper no.1)
Several major studies into domestic and family violence have been undertaken over the last five years, both internationally and in Australia. The publication of these reports has increased the amount of hard data available on the subject of domestic and family violence, and has raised awareness of the issue among individuals and agencies who had not previously realised the prevalence or the social impact of the problem. This paper summarises key statistical data from a selection of quantitative studies of domestic and family violence carried out in Australia and by the World Health Organization between 2000 and 2006. It includes greater detail and discussion of some critical issues.

Domestic violence incidence peaks: seasonal factors, calendar events and sporting matches. (PDF 908K)
Braaf, Rochelle and Gilbert, Robyn
Sydney, NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2007, 20p, tables (Stakeholder paper no.2)
Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest a rise in domestic violence at certain times of year or with certain public events. This paper presents findings from a study on the possible relationship between seasonal changes and weather, public holidays, and football events and reported domestic violence incidents. After discussing international studies, the authors examine Australian state statistics on domestic violence, assault, sexual assault, homicide, domestic violence orders, and alcohol related assaults, for 2003 to 2005. Incidents are compared with public holidays including Christmas and New Years Day, days of the week, football finals, and the rising temperature of summer. The evidence suggest some correlation, which has implications for policing and prevention strategies. The authors stress that these factors do not cause people to become violent, but are instead associated with increased alcohol consumption, interpersonal and child contact, and opportunities for violence.

Drugs and crime : a study of incarcerated female offenders.
Johnson, Holly.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology: Research and Public Policy Series. No.63, 2004
This report looks at the drug and alcohol use and "criminal careers" of 470 women who were incarcerated in prisons in six jurisdictions in Australia in 2003. The women in this study tended to have extensive criminal histories and prior contacts with the criminal justice system. The majority also reported chronic and persistent drug use. A better understanding of patterns in offending and drug use, and the connection between the two, will assist in the development of crime prevention strategies for women. This study offers opportunities to examine a range of risk factors for drug and alcohol abuse and offending. Risk factors include sexual, physical or emotional abuse in either childhood (63%) or adulthood (78%). The majority of incarcerated women were victims of multiple forms of abuse and physical abuse in childhood was a predictor of violent offending. Mental health problems were correlated with drug dependency, violent offending and involvement in the sex trade. And women with alcohol and drug dependencies, and those who were violent offenders, were more likely to have grown up in families with alcohol problems.

Elder abuse: similarities and differences to domestic violence.
Hastie, Cheryl.
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre Newsletter no.2 winter edition 2005: 03-08
This article looks at the differences between elder abuse and domestic violence and Australian data available on elder abuse. Issues facing older people and implications for intervention are examined.

Evaluation of the Sexual Offences Awareness Program (SOAP). (PDF 1.03M)
Fletcher, Bevan; Bruce, Fiona; O'Brien, Bev.
Adelaide, SA: Office of Crime Statistics and Research, 2006, 17p, tables, (Evaluation report), Online
The Sexual Offences Awareness Program (SOAP) was a school-based pilot initiative, developed between police, community services and local schools. It involved two lesson plans that could be presented by police with teacher support within secondary schools. It aimed to raise young people's awareness of sexual assault and dangerous situations, promote behaviours which would reduce their exposure to potential assaults, and advise them of the rights of and support services for victims of sexual assault. The evaluation was based primarily on pre and post surveys administered to students which measured changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, particularly in relation to parties and events involving alcohol and drug use.

Experience of personal violence.
Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Year book Australia 2007. Belconnen, ACT: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007, 2p, figures, Online
The 2005 Personal Safety Survey interviewed people over the age of 18 about their safety at home and in the community, and in particular on the nature and extent of violence against people. It also covered abuse, stalking and other forms of harassment. The survey results are summarised here according to men's experience of violence and women's experience of violence.

Familicide and family law: a study of filicide-suicide following separation.
Johnson, Carolyn Harris.
Family Court Review v.44 no.3 Jul 2006: 448-463
This study, conducted in Western Australia, analysed seven cases of family homicide followed by suicide in which child contact and or residence was a factor. This article discusses the victims' and perpetrators' families, history of the marital relationship, history of domestic violence, history of mental disorder in the perpetrator, history of sexual abuse, family court process at the time of offence, threats of harm to self or others, cause of death, and long term effects on survivors. A literature review covered the following areas: causes of homicide, incidence of homicide, spousal homicide, spousal homicide followed by suicide, filicide and familicide. The article identifies commonalities among the studied cases.

Family violence statistics fact sheet. new
New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse.
Christchurch, NZ: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2007, 8p, Online
National data from agencies working with people experiencing family violence in New Zealand are presented. This paper details recent statistics from New Zealand Police, Family Court, District Court, Department of Child, Youth And Family Services, and data from refuges and other organisations, providing insights into the extent and nature of family violence in New Zealand.

Females who sexually abuse in organisations working with children: characteristics, international and Australian prevalence rates: implications for child protection.
Hunt, Lise.
South Melbourne, Vic: Child Wise (ECPAT in Australia), 2006, 50p, tables, figures
Current research on sexual offences committed against children by women who work with children is examined in this report. The report discusses: the characteristics of female perpetrators of child sexual abuse; similarities with male perpetrators of child sexual abuse; current community attitudes and beliefs towards female perpetrators of child sexual abuse; changing attitudes towards child care; cultural considerations; why sexual abuse by women is difficult to identify; the underreported and incestuous nature of female sex offending; the use of violence; gender of the victims; international studies of prevalence rates; victim offender relationships; sexual abuse perpetrated in an organisational context; sexual abuse by people of authority; and the findings of Australian studies on female perpetrated sexual offences against children.

Figuring violence: the costs of domestic violence.
McKenzie,Mandy.
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre Newsletter no.2 winter edition 2005: 31-32
This article summarises some of the findings from the second volume of the report by Access economics titled 'The cost of domestic violence to the Australian economy'. It provides estimates of violence against men and against same sex partners and the number of children witnessing domestic violence. A breakdown of the cost of domestic voilence is provided.

Gang rape in Sydney: crime, the media, politics, race and sentencing.
Warner, Kate.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology v.37 no.3 2004: 344-361
In 2001 and 2002, print, radio and television gave extensive coverage to a series of gang rapes in Bankstown and other suburbs of south-west Sydney. The mass media's coverage of gang rapes by ethnic-minority youth is analysed along side other racial issues in the media at the time of the arrival of asylum-seekers and terrorism fears subsequent to the September 11 attacks in 2001, to reveal how localised stories of crime become 'racialised'. The article draws out some of the criminal justice issues from theses incidents. The flaws in the sentencing process are explored and a pedagogical role for judges is suggested in relation to the public understanding of crime.

Good Practice Special Edition.
Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault.
Aware: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault Newsletter no.7 June 2005: 01-20, and Online
This is a special "good practice" edition of ACSSA Aware, the newsletter of the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault. This edition highlights examples of good practice in service provision from each state and territory in the spirit of sharing information and experiences across the sector. Profiles include The Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault Care (FAMSAC) service co-located within Canberra Sexual Health Centre at the Canberra Hospital; Rape Crisis Online run by New South Wales Rape Crisis Centre; "Respect Relate Stop Rape" community awareness/education program in the Casuarina local community in the Northern Territory; Zig Zag Young Women's Resource Centre book, entitled "Working with Young Women who Self Harm"; Women's Health Statewide and Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service Sharing community education campaigns: postcard and bus advertisements; The Tasmanian Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) "Kids Quest" community awareness/ education program; The Victorian CASA Forum Inc and The Perth Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) full-day workshop, entitled "Another Layer of Trauma".

Homicide in Australia: 2003-2004 National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) annual report.
Mouzos, Jenny.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2005, 53p, tables (Research and public policy series No.66 ), Online
This report presents the circumstances and characteristics of homicide in Australia for the fiscal year 2003/04. During this period there was a total of 288 incidents of homicide recorded. These were committed by 310 homicide offenders and resulted in the deaths of 305 victims; the lowest annual number of homicide incidents and victims in Australia since the Australian Institute of Criminology began monitoring in 1989. The report also includes an overview of the types of homicidal encounters in Australia such as intimate partner violence, child homicide, homicide between persons known to each other, and stranger-related murders.

International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS).
The International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS) is an international, comparative survey specifically designed to target men’s violence against women, especially domestic violence and sexual assault. The objective of the IVAWS project is to assess the level of victimisation of women in a number of countries world-wide, on a repeatable basis, and to provide novel inputs for the development of specific criminal justice approaches.

The International Violence Against Women Survey: challenges and issues in developing an international comparative research project.
Holly Johnson (2003), conference paper presented at Evaluation in Crime and Justice: Trends and Methods, Canberra, March 2003

International Violence Against Women Survey: findings from the Australian component.
Heenan, Melanie.
Aware: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault Newsletter no.6 Apr 2005: 2-3, and Online
Findings from the Australian component of the International Violence Against Women Survey were recently published by the Australian Institute of Criminology (Mouzos and Makkai 2004, http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/rpp/56/index.html). The report various types of sexual and non-sexual violence against large proportions of women residing in Australia. This article summarises some of the key findings of the report.

International violence against women survey: Australian component report by J.Mouzos. (PDF 412K)
Mouzos, Jenny.
Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse Newsletter no.20 Dec 2004: 15-16, figure, and Online
The 'Women's experiences of male violence: findings from the Australian component of the International violence against women survey' report, released in September 2003, is summarised in this article. The article covers overall violence, intimate partner violence, non partner violence, childhood victimisation, perceptions and reactions to violence, and policy initiatives.

Information paper: measuring crime victimisation, Australia: the impact of different collection methodologies.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2002)

Into the archives: Child sexual abuse, Van Diemen's land, 1838.
MacDonald, Helen.
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre Newsletter no.2 winter edition 2005: 09-13
This article recounts a story of child abuse that occurred in Tasmania in 1838, highlighting important similarities and differences to our understanding of child abuse over time drawing attention to implications for service provision and intervention in the present day.

Is child sexual abuse declining? Evidence from a population-based survey of men and women in Australia.
Dunne, M. P.; Purdie, D. M.; Cook, M. D.; Boyle, F. M.; Najman, J. M.
Child Abuse & Neglect v.27 no.2 Feb 2003: 141-152, tables, figure
The incidence of reported child sexual abuse in the United States has declined over the past ten years. In this study the authors examine age cohort differences in self reported child sexual abuse cases to see if the same rate of decline is reflected in the general population in Australia. Methodology involved a cross-sectional, telephone based survey of a randomly selected national sample of men and women (876 males, 908 females). Although they warn that a simple interpretation of the statistics of reported abuse may obscure the prevalence of unreported cases, the authors do believe that a decline in child sexual abuse in the general population in Australia is occurring.

Judging rape: public attitudes and sentencing.
Clark, Haley.
Aware: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault Newsletter no.14 Jun 2007: 17-25, and Online
This article discusses public attitudes towards sexual assault, sentencing, perceptions of seriousness and the influence of myths and stereotypes. Public concerns surrounding perceived leniency of sentences for sexual offenders are presented together with an overview of recent developments in sentencing policy around Australia and statistics on current sentencing practice. Attitudes towards sexual assault and the role that rape myths play in judgments of offence seriousness and sentencing are then considered. Finally, a small study that the author conducted in 2002 which examined the extent to which rape myths may influence evaluations of rape seriousness and sentencing is presented. (Author abstract, edited)

Just sex? The cultural scaffolding of rape.
Gavey, Nicola.
Hove, East Sussex: Routledge, 2005, 268p
Drawing on feminist theory, cultural analysis, and in-depth interviews with women about their experiences, this book examines social and feminist research on rape and coercive sex and the phenomenon of date rape. Sexual intercourse and heterosexual relations need to be understood in the context of broader cultural constructs. 'Just sex' argues that while there is indeed a blurred line between rape on the one hand and just sex on the other, this does not mean coercive sex should be tolerated as simply part of the natural dynamics of sexual relations.

Male survivors of sexual assault and rape.
Crome, Sarah.
Melbourne, Vic: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2006, 8p, table (ACSSA wrap no.2), and Online
The sexual abuse of males is underrepresented in sexual abuse literature, statistics and programs. Current research about male survivors of sexual assault and rape is summarised in this paper. The paper discusses definitions, theoretical perspectives, reporting, prevalence and incidence reports, victim characteristics and risk factors, impact on survivors, treatment options, policy initiatives, and service responses and limitations.

Measuring the tides of violence: current family violence data for the western region of Melbourne.
Womens's Health West (Victoria).
Footscray, Vic: Women's Health West, 2003, 79p plus appendices 29p, tables, figures
The incidence and nature of family violence perpetrated against women in the Western Region of Melbourne were investigated in this research project, which aimed to raise awareness in the community about the extent of family violence. The report describes the theoretical framework for the study, then explores demographic data on the Western Region community and data from police and services on women and children who have experienced violence from a male family member. The report includes a discussion on groups who are particularly vulnerable to family violence and may experience additional difficulties.

Measuring domestic violence and sexual assault: a review of the literature and statistics.
Phillips, Janet; Park, Malcolm.
Canberra, ACT: Parliament of Australia, 2006, 23p, figures, tables (E-brief), Online only
Major Australian resources, research and studies on violence and sexual assault against women are reviewed. The report summarises information on whether victims know the perpetrators, injuries to women in cases of sexual assault, state and territory comparisons, what proportion of victims access support services, criminal justice outcomes, women's fear of violence, the economic, social and health costs of violence against women, at risk groups, and international crime victim and violence against women surveys.

Measuring violence against women: a review of the literature and statistics.
Phillips, Janet; Park, Malcolm.
Canberra, ACT: Parliamentary Library, Parliament of Australia, 2004, E-brief, Online only
This electronic brief aims to draw together major resources, research and studies on violence against women and sexual assault in Australia, and a selection of the major international surveys. Topics covered include: whether violence against women is growing; whether victims know the perpetrators; injuries to women in cases of sexual assault; state and territory comparisons; whether victims access support services; outcomes of the criminal justice system; women's fear of violence; economic, social and health costs of violence against women; at risk groups. Links are provided to resource centres and websites.

National project on drink spiking : investigating the nature and extent of drink spiking in Australia.
Taylor, Natalie; Prichard, Jeremy; Charlton, Kate.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2004, 167p, tables, figures, and Online
Knowledge about drink spiking in Australia is currently very limited but there have been suggestions that incidents of drink spiking have been increasing in recent times. The Australian Institute of Criminology was commissioned to undertake stage one of a national drink spiking project on behalf of the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs. This first stage focuses on identifying the nature and extent of drink spiking in Australia and identifying communication and educational initiatives to prevent and respond to drink spiking. This report summarises the literature and research to date on drink spiking; analyses data from a range of sources (including police data and data from a national telephone hotline conducted with drink spiking victims) to build an empirical evidence base on drink spiking; highlights what needs to be done to improve evidence collection and rates of prosecution; summarises key themes which emerged from discussions with stakeholders; and identifies potential educational initiatives to prevent and respond to drink spiking.

New South Wales criminal courts statistics 2004.
New South Wales. Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
Sydney, NSW: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2005, 144p, Online
This report presents and analyses data from criminal cases finalised by the New South Wales(NSW), Local, Children's, District, Supreme and Licensing Courts in 2004, excluding minor criminal matters such as regulatory driving offences issued through infringement notices. It was found that the number of persons finalised in trial and sentence cases in the Higher Courts has remained stable with a small increase found with the Local Courts, Children's Court and Licensing Court. This report incorporates a major revision in the way the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research identifies Indigenous persons in finalised criminal cases.

No longer silent - a study of women's help-seeking decisions and service responses to sexual assault
Lievore, D.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology for the Australian Government's Office for Women, 2005, 167p
This is a qualitative study of victim/survivor decision-making and coordinated responses to adult sexual assault. It address gaps in knowledge about the social and personal contingencies that influence victim/survivors' help-seeking behaviour and their decisions in respect of the criminal justice system and on the efficacy of coordinated service responses to sexual assault.

Non-reporting and hidden recording of sexual assault: an international literature review.
Lievore, D.
Barton, ACT: Commonwealth Office of the Status of Women, 2003, 135p, tables, figures, and Online
This report is an international literature review on the issues of non-reporting of sexual assault, and hidden recording (that is, the degree to which sexual assault is recorded as a secondary charge versus primary charge). The focus is on females aged 16 years and older, of diverse backgrounds and situations. The review focuses on research conducted in Australia, England and Wales, Canada, New Zealand and the United States since 1992, and includes the 2000 sweep of the International Crime Victims Survey. Data sources and their limitations are discussed. Risk of sexual assault is found to correlate with gender, age, victim-offender relationship and partner status. Factors effecting decisions to report sexual assault are explored, with personal barriers and perceptions of the criminal justice system having an important role. Attrition and hidden recording of sexual assault is considered. Sexual assault is discussed in relation to indigenous women, women from non-English-speaking backgrounds, rural Australia and women prisoners. The report also looks at recording of sexual assault in other systems, and finds that marginalisation is both a risk factor and a barrier to reporting.

Older people and mandatory reporting of abuse: rights vs protection. (PDF 291K)
Jackson, Les.
Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research Newsletter v.4 no.3 Mar 2006: 13-14 , and Online (whole issue)
Following reports of the rape and abuse of older women in aged care facilities, there have been calls for mandatory reporting of elder abuse. This article distinguishes between the abuse of older people within an aged care facility and those living at home and with no impairment to their decision making capacity, and suggests that older people with no diminished capacity ought to be consulted on the mandatory reporting question. It discusses the possibility that mandatory reporting would increase the incidence of hidden abuse, and argues that educating service providers in how to recognise and report family violence affecting older people would be a more effective use of resources.

Personal safety survey, Australia, 2005 (reissue). (PDF 1.46M)
Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006, 62p, statistical tables, (ABS catalogue no.4906.0), Online
This publication presents results from the national Personal Safety Survey (PSS) conducted during August to December 2005. Information is about men's and women's experience of physical or sexual assault or threat by male and female perpetrators. PSS respondents were asked about their experiences of the different types of violence, since the age of 15, by different types of male and female perpetrators (including current partner, previous partner, boyfriend/girlfriend or date, other known man or woman, and stranger). More detailed information, such as where the incident occurred and what action was taken, was then collected for most recent incident of each of the different types of violence by a male and female perpetrator. Additional information was also collected about respondents experience of current and previous partner violence such as frequency and fears of violence, incidents of stalking and other forms of harassment and general feelings of safety.

Physical violence.
Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In: Green, Robin, ed. Year book Australia 2008. Belconnen, ACT: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008 (Year book no.90), p426-430, Online
The ABS Personal Safety Survey of people aged 18 years and over was conducted from August to December 2005, and gathered information about people's feelings of safety and experience of different types of violence, harassment and stalking. Drawing on the Survey data, this article includes a diagram of the experience of violence, statistics of characteristics and location of physical assault incidents, characteristics of victims and perpetrators of physical assault, and the consequences of and responses to physical assault.

Pilot study on sexual assault and related offences in the ACT: stage 3.
Borzycki, Maria.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2007, 54p (Research and public policy no.79), and Online
The objectives of this pilot study were to examine the feasibility of an integrated justice information system by focusing on sexual assault and related offences. Stage 3 of the project addressed data collection and data tracking, and provided a snapshot of sexual assault and related offences in the ACT. This report discusses issues connected with data collection and data tracking. Its recommendations for improvements to what is collected and how it is collected are designed to improve the process and outcomes of future data tracking. The snapshot of sexual assault and related offences shows that: most victims are women and girls, and most are less than 25 years old; the perpetrators were men and boys; the victims were often younger than their attackers; most of the offenders were known to the victims but family violence was involved in only a few cases; about half of all incidents were reported to police without delay; the average time lapse between the initial report to police and the finalisation of the case in the lower courts was about six months; incidents reported to police resulted in the conviction of about one third and the acquittal of about one in 10 apprehended offenders.

Playing by the rules - off the field.
Lumby, Catharine.
University of New South Wales Law Journal Forum v.11 no.1 Aug 2005: 41-42
This article looks at Rugby League football and attitudes, media perceptions and images of rape and sexual assault in the sport. Masculine cultural beliefs about the inevitability of some men offending are discussed, along side a refusal by some sectors in the sport to have faith in education and mentoring as a preventative measure.

Predictors of violence, antisocial behaviour and relational aggression in Australian adolescents: A longitudinal study.
Hemphill, Sheryl A.(1); Toumbourou, John W.(1); Catalano, Richard F.(2).
Canberra, ACT: Criminology Research Council, 2005, 31p, Online
This study contrast predictors of antisocial behaviour in an Australian sample with those from a sample in Washington State, USA in order to understand further the relevance of US crime prevention science for Australia. The project also examines societal responses to antisocial behaviour, such as arrests and school suspensions. Findings have been reported in two papers. The first found that although levels of antisocial behaviour are similar in the two states, Washington State adopts more punitive measures such as school suspensions and arrests. The second found that the experience of school suspension increased the risk of antisocial behaviour one year later, after controlling for other known risk factors, while a similar effect was noted for arrests. Individual and family characteristics were found to be important in the development of antisocial behaviour. The report draws out the implications future research and for policy development. Punitive approaches to antisocial behaviour with youth may be counter productive, and that it is important to keep students connected to school and to minimise early contact with law enforcement authorities.

Prevalence and associations of partner abuse in women attending general practice: a cross-sectional survey.
Hegarty, K L; Bush, R
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health v.26 no.5 Oct 2002: 437-442, tables, figures
The authors in this article report on a study aimed at determining the prevalence and socio demographic associations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse by a partner or ex partner for women attending general practices. In 1996, women attending general practices in Brisbane were screened for a history of partner abuse using a self report questionnaire. Thirty-seven percent of the survey participants admitted to having ever experienced abuse in an adult intimate relationship. Twenty-three percent had ever experienced physical abuse, 33 percent emotional abuse and ten percent sexual abuse. Abused women were 64.1 times more likely to have ever been afraid of any partner than non abused women. Of women in current relationships eight percent self reported physical, emotional or sexual abuse in the past year and 1.5 percent all three types of abuse. Associations of abuse included being younger, separated or divorced, having a history of child abuse or domestic violence between their parents. The authors concluded that partner abuse is very common in women attending general practice and clinicians need to be alert to possible indications of partner abuse. (Journal abstract, edited)

Public health, mental health and violence against women: Scoping report. (PDF 268K)
McCarthy, Therese.
Melbourne, Vic: Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit, 2003, 31p, Online
Commissioned by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), this scoping paper canvasses recent global, national and Victorian research which examines the nature and incidence of violence against women. It also examines the physical and mental health effects of failing to prevent violence against women, and approaches to the prevention and elimination of violence against women.

Recorded crime - victims, Australia (summary).
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2005)

Repeat sexual victimisation among an offender sample: implications for pathways and prevention.
Mazerolle, Paul; Legosz, Margot; Miceski, Elena; Sanderson, Jennifer.
In: France, A. and Homel, R. eds. Pathways and crime prevention: theory, policy and practice. Cullompton, Devon, UK: Willan Publishing, 2007, p146-171
Using data from a study of adults serving non custodial sentences in Queensland, this chapter explores the effects of sexual victimisation on offenders. High levels of sexual victimisation were found among this group, particularly among women, and a high degree of continuity of victimisation from childhood to adulthood. After controlling for individual and lifestyle factors, the analysis shows that child sexual abuse directly affects the risk of adult sexual victimisation. This relationship is not mediated through alcohol and drug abuse and relationship problems, although these factors proved salient predictors of sexual victimisation. The major implications for prevention are discussed; that is, to reduce the incidence of childhood sexual victimisation and to address the mental health and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of re victimisation for adults.

Remembering Anita: rape and the politics of commemoration.
Serisier, Tanya.
Australian Feminist Law Journal v.23 Dec 2005: 121-145
The rape and murder of Anita Cobby inspired a book by Julia Sheppard and an exhibition. This article considers the shared commemorative objectives and tone of these two works. It discusses: ways of remembering how Cobby is remembered; the construction of Cobby as the perfect victim; why some victims are more important than others; the contrast between the public memory of Cobby and the lack of attention given to other raped women; making Cobby representative of violated womanhood; the distinction between commemorating a crime and commemorating violence against women; replacing women's rights with victim's rights; women and the fear of public spaces; law and order, surveillance and social control; and feminism and the politics of commemoration.

School violence and its antecedents: interviews with high school students.
Grunseit, Anne C.; Weatherburn, Don and Donnelly, Neil.
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, R56, March 2005: 1-94, tables.
Two key findings emerged from this study on the risk factors associated with school violence. They are 1) Students who were subject to punitive discipline at home were more likely to have attacked someone at school than those who were not subject to punitive dicipline at home and 2) violence on the school grounds is more likely to occur where more than twenty five percent of the teachers have less than five years teaching experience. The largest of it's kind undertaken in Australia, this study interviewed a population of 2,616 year 8 and year 9 students attending NSW secondary schools. A further 41 in-depth interviews were held with students who had been disciplined for assault on school grounds.

Sentencing snapshot: sentencing trends for rape in Victoria. (PDF 194K)
Sentencing Advisory Council (Victoria).
Melbourne, Vic: Sentencing Advisory Council, 2005, 5p, figures, table (Sentencing snapshot no.7), Online
Sentencing outcomes for the offence of rape, and details of the age and gender of persons sentenced for rape in the Supreme and County Courts of Victoria between 1999 - 2000 and 2003 - 04 are summarised. The report includes data on the number of men sentenced and the proportion that received a custodial sentence, sentence types, principal sentences of imprisonment and total effective sentences of imprisonment, non parole periods, age of offender and compensation for victims.

Sex in Australia: experiences of sexual coercion among a representative sample of adults.
de Visser, R. O.; Smith, A. M. A.; Rissel, C. E.; Richters, J.; Grulich., A. E.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health v.27 no.2 Apr 2003: 198-203, tables
The purpose of this article is to provide reliable estimates of the prevalence, correlates and consequences of sexual coercion among a representative sample of Australian adults. Computer assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 10,173 men and 9,134 women aged 16-59 years. The overall response rate was 73.1 percent. Sexual coercion is an unacceptably common experience, with detrimental effects on various aspects of people's lives. It most commonly occurs at the ages at which people become sexually active and women are more likely than men to be sexually coerced. Implications of the research shows that there may be a need for more readily accessible services that are better able to minimise the detrimental effects of sexual coercion. This is in addition to a more general need to reduce the incidence of sexual coercion. (Journal abstract, edited)

Sexual assault in Australia: a statistical overview
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Melbourne,Vic: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2004, 103p, (ABS catalogue no.4523.0)
This report presents a 'snapshot' view of sexual assault in Australia. Measures for prevalence, individual experiences, responses provided and resultant outcomes are given. Chapters also cover the conceptual framework for sexual assault in Australia, experience-based definitions and offence-based definitions of sexual assault and an examination of disclosure, non-disclosure and reporting to police and service providers. Data quality issues and gaps in the data currently available are highlighted.

Sexual assault information development framework 2003: information paper. (PDF 432K)
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Canberra, ACT: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2003: 149p (ABS catalogue no.4518.0)
This paper from the Australian Bureau of Statistics presents an information development framework for data needs relating to sexual assault in Australia. The key concepts, sources and priorities for statistics in the sexual assault field are addressed. The paper covers information needs, currently available data and data deficiencies relating to sexual assault context, risk, incident, responses, impacts and outcomes, and education and prevention programs.

Sexual assault of prisoners: reflections.
Heilpern, David, M.
University of New South Wales Law Journal Forum v.11 no.1 Aug 2005: 25-28
This paper revisits the research conducted by the author in 1997 in New South Wales prisons and published in the book 'Fear and Favour', comments on it's importance today and looks at some extraoridinary new developments occcuring in the United States.

Sexual offences: interim report.
Victorian Law Reform Commission
Melbourne, Vic: Victorian Law Reform Commission, 2003, 421p, tables, figures and Online
This report describes the current Victorian sexual offence laws and recent changes to these laws. It also makes recommendations for legislative, procedural and administrative reform. It discusses rates of reported sexual offences and the resulting prosecution outcomes, police responses, the responsiveness of the criminal justice system, the stress of giving evidence, the needs of children, rape and the meaning of consent, and changes to other sexual offences.

Sexual violence offenders: prevention and intervention approaches.
Chung, Donna; O'Leary, Patrick J; Hand, Tammy.
Issues: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault no.5 Jun 2006: 1-54, tables, and Online
Male sexual violence against women and children continues to be a significant social problem in Australia, with increasing attention being given to prevention and treatment of sexual offending. This paper on sex offender treatment programs critically examines how theoretical explanations of sexual violence have shaped intervention and community responses, by examining the influence of the predominant perspectives that focus on the psychopathology of sex offenders. Prevalence and definitions of sexual violence are examined critically to show that sexual violence is a relatively common experience for many Australian women. The paper also provides a critical analysis of the different treatment paradigms used in Australia. The authors assert that, in general, the responses to sexual violence are not comprehensive and intersectoral, nor do they prioritise accountability to victims. This can be attributed to the distinct theoretical influences in treating sexual offenders, sexual violence prevention and support for victims. The authors conclude by examining the ways in which both treatment and prevention strategies can better address the widespread occurrence of sexual violence in Australia.

Shredded.
Annie North Women's Refuge and Domestic Violence Service
Bendigo, Vic: Annie North Women's Refuge and Domestic Violence Service, 2003, 1 video (28min), booklet
Shredded is a short motion picture drama, scripted from stories told and workshopped by women from the Annie North Women's Refuge in Bendigo Victoria. The result is a broadcast quality film that explores the uncertain line between normal couple conflict and what can be characterized as an unhealthy relationship of power and control which emotionally affects the whole family.

The attrition of sexual offences from the New South Wales criminal justice system. (PDF 264K)
Fitzgerald, Jacqueline.
Sydney, NSW: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2006, 12p, tables, figures (Crime and justice bulletin no.92), and Online
Approximately 10 per cent of the 7,000 sexual or indecent assault incidents reported to New South Wales Police each year result in a court conviction. This bulletin examines the reasons for such a small proportion of cases being prosecuted, and for the low rate of conviction among those defendants who do go to court. It suggests that cases could be strengthened at the investigation stage, in terms of evidence gathering and victim support,
which would increase the prospect of a successful conviction.

The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health: Health and Experiences of Violence among Young Australian Women. (PDF 311K)
Taft, Angela; Lyn Watson and Lee, Christina.
Women's Health Australia (summary report), 2004.
The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALSWH) studied over 14,000 young women, aged 18 to 23 surveyed in 1996. They were surveyed again in 2000 and around 10,000 young women aged 22 to 27 responded. ALSWH examines how violence, in particular violence from an intimate partner, is associated with young Australian women's reproductive and general health. Four mutually exclusive groups of women were identified within the study. The data suggest that assisting women to avoid or escape from violent situations will benefit their physical, reproductive and emotional health. It also emphasises the importance of assisting health services to intervene and provide a more effective response.

The interconnectedness and causes of female suicidal ideation with domestic violence. (PDF 66K)
Guggisberg, Marika.
Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health v.5 no.1 May 2006: 7p, Online only
Although there is a significant body of knowledge about suicide, in particular male suicide, very limited empirical data exist about female suicidal ideation. This theoretical analysis considers the extent to which domestic violence may constitute an underlying cause of female suicidality by examining published literature mainly from Australia. It explores major effects of domestic violence, investigates the prevalence of suicide in women, and then considers the relationships between domestic violence, mental disorders in women, victim-blaming attitudes and female suicidality. The paper suggests that a traditional victim-blaming attitude towards abused women is considerably interrelated with female suicide. It is recommended that female suicidal ideation, which may be caused by domestic violence, needs to be recognised as an important women's and public health issue.

The Right to play safely: a report on violence against women in sport and recreation.
Morrone, Assunta.
Melbourne, Vic: CASA House and Royal Women's Hospital, 2003, 23p
This report investigates the prevalence and attidtudes to sexual assault and violence agianst women in sports environmnents. It reviews current research and attitudes and interviews forty four women to assess attitudes and self perception in relation to sexual violence and sport. It is recommended that education programs be conducted in sporting clubs and secondary schools and other sports service areas, directed at both men and women. Further research is also suggested.

Thoughts on recidivism and rehabilitation of rapists.
Lievore, Denise.
University of New South Wales Law Journal Forum v.11 no.1 Aug 2005: 29-32
It is difficult to ascertain the prevalence of sex offending in the community and even less is know about recidivism rates. It cannot be assumed that most sex offenders released who are not reconvicted are undetected repeat offenders. Evidence suggests that most sex offenders are not at risk of sexual recidivism, though identification of those that are is necessary and risk assessment of sex offenders should be a core practice within correctional systems. This paper is based on a research report by the author that provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on rates, risk factors and treatment efficacy for recidivism of sexual offenders (Recidivism of sexual assault offenders: rates, risk factors and treatment efficacy. Australian Institute of Criminology, 2004). The paper discusses risk factors for recidivism, sex offender treatment programs, and implications for criminal justice of visible and hidden sex offenders.

Trends in recorded sexual assault.
Australian Institute of Criminology.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2005, 1p, figure (Crime facts info no.105), Online
Using Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded crime and victims data, this fact sheet looks at sexual assault rates from 1993 to 2003. The figues show an increase during this period, though this may be attributed to an increase in reporting rather than actual incidents. Eighty two percent of sexual assault victims were female in 2003.

Violence against women and men in Australia: what the Personal Safety Survey can and can't tell us.
Flood, Michael.
DVIRC Quarterly (Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre) no.4 Summer 2006: 3-10, table
The Personal Safety Survey, a national survey of physical and sexual violence against women and men, has recently been released. Key findings include that rates of violence against women have declined, and that there is a high rate of violence against men. This article discusses the contrast between men's and women's experiences of violence, and raises concerns about the survey's definitions and measurements of violence and the possible misuse of survey data to claim that one quarter of domestic violence victims are men.

What lies behind the hidden figure of sexual assault? Issues of prevalence and disclosure.
Neame, A.; Heenan, M.
Briefing: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault no.1 Sept 2003: 1-15, and Online.
This paper considers several groups of victim/ survivors of sexual assault which are less likely to appear within the estimates of large-scale victimisation studies. The authors draw on research that uses targeted approaches to identify the 'hidden' prevalence of sexual assault among adults who were sexually assaulted as children, women from non-English-speaking backgrounds, sex industry workers and young homeless people. As well as being less visible in victimisation surveys, these groups of victim/ survivors are less likely to disclose their experiences or report the sexual assault to the police, and often feel unable to access support.

Women's experience of crime and safety in Victoria 2002.
Gordon, C.; Turner, N.; Dussuyer, I.; Knight, R.
Melbourne, Vic: Crime Prevention Victoria, 2002, 16p, figures
Many more women than men are the victims of family violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment and stalking. This report provides statistics on the incidence of crime against women, the effects this violence has, and what is being done in Victoria to address the issue. The report looks at women as victims of homicide, sexual assault, robbery, assault, family violence, stalking, violence and misconduct in the workplace, missing persons, and property crime, and women as offenders. A discussion then follows which considers many of the above crimes as well as cultural diversity and other overarching issues related to crime against women.

Women's experiences of male violence : findings from the Australian component of the International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS)
Jenny, Mouzos.; Makkai, Toni.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2004, 143p, tables, figures, (AIC resrearch and public policy series No.56) and Online
Between December 2002 and June 2003, over six thousand women in Australia aged between 18 and 69, participated in the International Violence Against Women Survey. They provided information on their experiences of violence, inculding threats of violence, from former and current intimate partners, other knows males, such as relatives, friends and aquaintances, and strangers. It also looks at women's reported experiences of childhood violence.

Young and homeless in rural South Australia.
Farrin, Jane.
Parity v.18 no.6 Jul 2005: 12-13, figures
A three stage project has investigated youth homelessness in rural South Australia through interviews and focus groups involving service providers, Indigenous and non Indigenous homeless young people, and parents. The concerns expressed by young people include the lack of affordable and accessible housing, socioeconomic disadvantage, invisibility of homelessness, domestic violence and abuse, family breakdown, boredom, and transience. This article discusses aspects of homelessness among rural South Australian youth in considering the following: difficulties in addressing rural youth homelessness; 'career path model' of homelessness; what can be changed in South Australia for homeless youth.

Young People's Views on Designing Effective Websites. (PDF 1.3M)
- Learnings from Burstingthebubble.com - Section one
Young People's Views on Designing Effective Websites. (PDF 1.9M)
- Learnings from Burstingthebubble.com - Section two

Domestic Violence Incest Resource Centre (DVIRC).
Melbourne, Vic: Domestic Violence Incest Resource Centre (DVIRC), 2005, 22p and Online (560KB)
This is a powerpoint display of the results on an online survey of 87 young people who use or used the webiste Burstingthebubble.com which is designed to assist young people experiencing family violence.

International publications

Childhood and adult violence in the lives of women who misuse substances.
Gutierresa, Sara E.; and Van Puymbroeckb, Christina.
Aggression and Violent Behaviour ; Vol. 11, no. 5, September-October 2006, pp.497-513
A review of the literature found that women substance misusers, more often than men, have been found to have high rates of violent victimization as children and as adults. These victims of childhood sexual and physical abuse exhibit negative psychological outcomes of low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, and they may turn to substance use as a way to cope with these painful psychological consequences.

Clinical correlates and repetition of self-harming behaviors among female adolescent victims of sexual abuse.
Cyr, Mireille. …[et al]
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse; Vol. 14, no. 2, 2005, pp. 49-68.
The results of this study show that a high percentage (62%) of sexually abused teenage girls engage in at least one form of self-mutilating behaviour. These same girls also presented significantly more clinical scores on various measures of psychological and behavioural problems. The results of the study also indicate that these behaviours can continue for some time. The authors argue that clinicians must be aware of these behaviours and that treatment strategies need to vary according to specific symptoms.

Domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking: findings from the British Crime Survey. (PDF 564K)
Walby, Sylvia and Allen, Jonathan(2004), Home Office Research Study 276

The effect of participant sex, victim dress, and traditional attitudes on causal judgements for marital rape victims.
Whatley, Mark A.
Journal of Family Violence; Vol. 20, no. 3, June, 2005, pp. 191-200.
College students were examined on their attitudes towards blaming the victim in marital rape cases. Males and participants with traditional attitudes towards marriage where more likely to blame the victim. The way the victim was dressed, seductively or soberly, also influenced attitudes on responsibility for the rape.

Extent, Nature, and Consequences of Rape Victimization: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey. (PDF 2.2M)
Tjaden, Patricia; Thoennes, Nancy.
Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, January 2006
More than 300,000 women and almost 93,000 men are raped annually, according to the National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS). Researchers found differences in rape prevalence relating to age, gender, and race/ethnicity, as well as other factors such as whether victims were first raped as minors. Despite widespread public education, rape remains a largely underreported crime; and despite increased levels of research over the past few decades, significant gaps remain in understanding rape victimization. This NIJ Special Report takes a detailed look at the NVAWS findings and the researchers' recommendations for future research.

Factors related to childhood sexual abuse among gay / bisexual male internet escorts.
Parsons, Jeffrey T. …[et al]
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse; Vol. 14, no. 2, 2005, pp. 1-23.
This study examines the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and psychosocial characteristics and sexual behaviors among gay/bisexual male escorts who advertise on the Internet. A quarter of the respondants reported some history of childhood sexual abuse. These men were more likely to report unprotected sex and increased internalised homophobia. Few behavioural interventions have targeted this group, and the authors argue that these are needed, although more research may be necessary to understand the unique needs of male sex workers with a history of childhood sexual abuse.

Fatin Hakmatek: the safe room project in East Timor. (PDF 772K)
Martens da Silva, Mira; Marcal, Luisa; Kendall, Susan; Laing, Lesley.
Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse Newsletter no.23 Jan 2006: 11-13, and Online
Fatin Hakmatek provides support to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and cßhild abuse in East Timor. This article discusses the prevalence of, and attitudes towards, domestic violence in East Timor. It describes the services provided by Fatin Hakmatek, including support for victims of violence, promotion of Fatin Hakmatek and development of referral pathways, and community education and training about domestic and sexual violence. The organisation's innovations include providing accessible information for victims of violence, and an integrated forensic medical protocol.

Framing abuse : media influence and public understanding of sexual violence against children.
Kitzinger, Jenny.
London : Pluto, 2004, x, 236 p.
This book offers fascinating insights into how the media shape the way we think. Combining in depth analysis with interviews with 500 journalists, campaigners, abuse survivors and a cross section of 'the public', [the author] explores the media's role in contemporary society.

Integration of the human rights of women and a gender perspective. (PDF 96K)
Huda, Sigma.
Commission on Human Rights, February 2006
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights aspects of the victims of trafficking in persons, especially women and children.

International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS)
The International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS) is an international, comparative survey specifically designed to target men’s violence against women, especially domestic violence and sexual assault. The objective of the IVAWS project is to assess the level of victimisation of women in a number of countries world-wide, on a repeatable basis, and to provide novel inputs for the development of specific criminal justice approaches.

Interviewing clinicians and advocates who work with sexual assault survivors : a personal perspective on moving from quantitative to qualitative research methods.
Ullman, Sarah E.
Violence against women; Vol. 11, no. 9, Sep, 2005, pp. 1113-1139.
In this article the author shares her experience of moving from quantitative survey research to conducting qualitative semistructured interviews. She describes the process of making this transition. The participants of the qualitative research were female advocates and clinicians who worked with sexual assault survivors.

Investigating and detecting recorded offences of rape (PDF 712K)
Great Britain. Home Office. Research, Development and Statistics Directorate, 2007.

Making Sense of Rape In America: Where Do the Numbers Come From and What Do They Mean? (PDF 144K) >
Dean G. Kilpatrick, Dean G, Ph.D. and Kenneth J. Ruggiero, Kenneth, J. Ph.D.
This paper assists public policy officials, health care professionals, and other pertinent professionals in understanding how rape in America is measured, what the numbers mean, and the limitations of existing research.

Non-consensual sexual experiences of young people: a review of the evidence from developing countries.
Shireen J. Jejeebhoy and Sarah Bott (2003), Population Council South & East Asia Regional Working Paper No. 16

Perceptions of male victims in depicted sexual assaults: A review of the literature.
Michelle Davies, Paul Rogers
Aggression and Violent Behaviour: A Review Journal, Vol 11, No.4, July-August 2006
In recent years there has been a steady increase in the amount of literature on perceptions of male victim of sexual assault. Much of this research focuses around the concept of victim blame. This paper reviews the research on perceptions of male victims of sexual assault, wiht particular reference to victim blame for male rape.

Profiling domestic violence : a multi-country study.
Kishor, Sunita. and Johnson, Kiersten.
Calverton, Md. : MEASURE DHS, ORC Macro, 2004.
"This study uses household and individual-level data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program to examine the prevalence and correlates of domestic violence and the health consequences of domestic violence for women and their children. Nationally representative data from nine countries - Cambodia (2000), Colombia (2000), the Dominican Republic (2002), Egypt (1995), Haiti (2000), India (1998-1999), Nicaragua (1998), Peru (2000), and Zambia (2001-2002) - are analyzed within a comparative framework to provide a multifaceted analysis of the phenomenon of domestic violence"--P. xv.

Rape and sexual assault of women: findings from the British Crime Survey. (PDF 88K)
Andy Myhill and Jonathan Allen (2002), Home Office Findings 159

Rape and sexual assault of women: the extent and nature of the problem. Findings from the British Crime Survey. (PDF 320K)
Andy Myhill and Jonathan Allen (2002), Home Office Research Study 237

Rape work : victims, gender, and emotions in organization and community
Martin, Patricia Yancey.
Context. New York : Routledge, 2005.
"Using interviews, studies, and archives, 'Rape Work' takes a critical look at the officials who process rape victims to show how the structure of their respective organizations often prevents them from giving victims responsive care."--Book jacket.

Revisiting unwanted sexual experiences on campus : a 12-year follow-up.
Banyard, Victoria L.. …[et al].
Violence Against Women; Vol. 11, no. 4, 2005, pp. 426-446.
Rates and patterns of unwanted sexual experiences among female college students in 1988 and 2000 are compared. Findings indicate that the patterns of abuse characteristics were similar in both studies.

Self defense or assertiveness training and women's responses to sexual attacks.
Brecklin, Leanne R.; Ullman, Sarah E.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence; Vol. 20, no. 6, 2005, pp. 738-762.
This study examined the effect self-defense training had on the physical and psychological responses of young women to sexual attacks. Women who had done training before the attack were angier and less afraid during the attack. They also felt that their resistance had stopped or lessened the severity of the attack.

Sex Offenses and Offenders: An Analysis of Data on Rape and Sexual Assault
Greenfeld, Lawrence A. BJS Statistician
This report draws on more than two dozen statistical datasets maintained by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Uniform Crime Reporting program of the FBI to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge about the incidence and prevalence of violent victimization by sexual assault, the response of the justice system to such crimes, and the characteristics of those who prey on victims of all ages by committing sexual assault or rape.

Sexual Abuse Among Homeless Adolescence: Prevalence, Correlates and Sequelae. (PDF 716K)
Jody M. Greene Rebecca Sanchez, (2002), Research Triangle Institute, The Sexual Abuse Experiences of Runaway Youth project, The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), US Federal Government, November 2002.

Sexual abuse of vulnerable young and old women : a comparative analysis of circumstances and outcomes.
Roberto, Karen A.; Teaster, Pamela B.
Violence Against Women; Vol. 11, no. 4, 2005, pp. 473-504.
Women with disabilities are vulnerable to unwanted sexual contact. This study collected data over a 5-year period of substantiated cases of sexually abused disabled women. Sixty-three percent of the cases were of women aged over 59. Most of the perpetrators where older males known by the women.

Sexual coercion: young men's experiences as victims and perpetrators. (PDF 164K)
Deepika Ganju, William Finger, Shireen Jejeebhoy, Vijaya Nidadavoluand, K.G. Santhya, Iqbal Shah, Shyam Thapa and Ina Warriner (2004), Population Council

Sexual violence surveillance: uniform definitions and recommended data elements.
Kathleen C. Basile and Linda E. Saltzman (2002), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Teen dating violence : eliminating statutory barriers to civil protection orders.
Saperstein, Pamela.
Family law quarterly; Vol. 39, no. 1, Spring, 2005, pp. 181-196.
This article examines the issue of teen dating violence and its relationship to domestic violence in adult relationships. It also explores the main statutory barriers that prohibit adolescents from obtaining civil protection orders. The author argues that adolescent victims of dating violence need statutory protection as much, if not more than, adult victims of domestic violence.

The psychological consequences of sexual trauma
Yuan, Nicole P.; Koss, Mary P. and Stone, Mirto (March 2006) Applied Research Forum, National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women

Trauma exposure and sexual revictimization risk : comparisons across single, multiple incident, and multiple perpetrator victimizations.
Casey, Erin A.; Nurius, Paula S.
Violence Against Women; Vol. 11, no. 4, 2005, pp.505-530.
In order to identify the risk factors associated with repeat sexual assault the outcome differences between survivors of a single assault, multiple assaults by a single perpetrator and multiple assaults by multiple perpetrators were examined. The findings are discussed.

UK study of abuse and neglect of older people : prevalence survey report. (PDF 1.1M)
Comic Relief (Charity : United Kingdom), 2007.
This report presents the findings of a study on the prevalence of neglect, financial abuse, and physical and sexual abuse of older people in Great Britain. Over 2,100 people aged over 65, living in private households and sheltered accommodation were surveyed.

Violence and Victimization: Exploring Women’s Histories of Survival. (PDF 3.5M)
National Institute of Justice, June 2006, NCJ 214440
This research explored the histories of physical and sexual victimization reported by incarcerated and non-incarcerated women and sought to identify the survival strategies women activated at various points in their lifespan. The goal of this research was to examine the consequences, defined here as the health, mental health, substance use, incarceration, and suicidality, of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and youth maltreatment and victimization to identify at-risk populations, modifiable risk and essential mediating factors, and optimal times and settings for intervention.

Violence against women and the burden of HIV-AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
McCloskey, Laura Ann; Larson, Ulla; Williams, Corinne.
Women's Studies Journal v.19 no.2 Spring 2005: 41-55, table, figures
The literature on the prevalence of violence, including sexual violence, connection between violence and HIV-AIDS, are discussed in this article. The article reports on a study, conducted in Tanzania, of indicators of gender inequality, the measurement of types of violence against women, and the link between women's victimisation and their HIV status.

Violence against women : identifying risk factors. (PDF 380K)
White, Jacquelyn W.; Siegal, Jane A.
Washington, D.C. : U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice, 2004.
"This NIJ Research in Brief addresses whether sexual and physical abuse inchildhood and adolescence are risk factors for becoming a victim of violence against women as an adult. It combines the results taken from two studies, one of which followed college women and men for 4 years, and the other, which followed low-income, mostly black women who had been victims of childhood sexual abuse. Each study found that child sexual abuse alone was a risk factor only when combined with adolescent sexual abuse. Although each study examined a narrowly defined population, taken together, both studies came to remarkably similar conclusions" - Publisher website.

Violence in society : New Zealand perspectives.
Connolly, Marie.
Christchurch, N.Z. : Te Awatea Press, 2004.
"This book focuses primarily on interpersonal violence and the ways in which the New Zealand criminal justice and helping services respond. The chapters address the following sets of research and practice domains: child abuse and protection, youth violence, family violence and violence in intimate relationships, crime and criminal justice, professional issues."--Book jacket.

Women's risk perception and sexual victimization: A review of the literature.
Gidycz, Christine A.; McNamara, John R. and Edwards, Katie M.
Aggression and Violent Behaviour ; Vol. 11, no. 5, September-October 2006, pp.441-456
This article reviews empirical and theoretical studies that examined the relationship between risk perception and sexual victimization in women. Studies examining women's general perceptions of risk for sexual assault as well as their ability to identify and respond to threat in specific situations are reviewed. Theoretical discussions of the optimistic bias and cognitive–ecological models of risk recognition are discussed in order to account for findings in the literature. Implications for interventions with women as well as recommendations for future research are provided.

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