Bibliography

Child sexual abuse

Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse.
Comment on the Federal Government's response to issues of child sexual assault in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities.
Sydney, NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2007, 3p, Online (PDF 32KB)
http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/Other_%20publications/ response16072007.pdf

The 'Ampe Akelyememane Meke Mekarle, Little children are sacred' report by the Northern Territory Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse in 2007 drew attention to terrible conditions of long standing Aboriginal disadvantage and child sexual abuse. The Federal Government of Australia responded quickly to the reports findings. Whilst commending their concern, the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse urges the Government to consider long term and sustainable solutions that address the underlying causes, to support tested, successful community solutions, and to heed the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry's report.

Available from: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, School of Social Work, University of New South Wales http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/

Biber, Katherine.
On not speaking: the right to silence, the gagged trial judge and the spectre of child sexual abuse.
Alternative Law Journal v.30 no.1 Feb 2005: 19-23

Should anything be inferred by the silence of the accused in legal cases? Comments by trial judges to the jury about the failure of the defendant to give evidence, particularly in the cases of Jones v Dunkel and Dyers v The Queen, are considered in this article. The article discusses the response of the High Court to the right to silence principle, and the implications for child sexual abuse prosecutions.

Available from: Alternative Law Journal, Law Faculty, Monash University, Clayton Vic 3168. Internet http://www.altlj.org/

Blackwell, Suzanne.
Expert psychological evidence in child sexual abuse trials in New Zealand.
In: Children and the Courts Conference: papers. Canberra, ACT: National Judicial College of Australia, Australian National University, 2005, 20p, Online (MS Word 132K)

Sections 23C to 23I, relating to rules in cases involving child complainants, were inserted into New Zealand's Evidence Act in 1990. These reforms allowed for the use of videotaped child interviews, the use of CCTV or screens, judicial directions about special aspects of sexual abuse cases and expert evidence. This paper explores the following controversies surrounding the reforms: that distressed or disordered behaviours in children are viewed by some as indicators of sexual abuse; the use of the terminology 'consistent' and 'inconsistent'; the straying of expert evidence into the territory of the 'ultimate issue' rule; whether expert evidence in such cases reaches the threshold for expert evidence; and variability in determination of what constitutes 'common knowledge'. It examines the current use of s23G and law reform proposals and presents results of a study on jurors' knowledge and beliefs about child sexual abuse. The paper argues that expert evidence in child sexual abuse trials is necessary.

Available from: National Judicial College of Australia http://njca.anu.edu.au/

Breckenridge, Jan.
'Speaking of mothers most': how does the literature portray mothers who have a history of child sexual abuse?
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse v.15 no.2 2006: 57-74

The way the literature presents mothers who have a history of child sexual abuse is explored. The paper focuses on research that examines the mothers' parenting after the disclosure of their child's sexual abuse. It discusses the intergenerational transmission of risk of child sexual assault, the competency and capacity of mothers with a history of child sexual abuse to parent and support their children, and disclosure and increased stress for non offending parents.

Briggs, Freda.
Every school's worst nightmare: child sexual abuse.
Adelaide, SA: University of Adelaide, 2005, 19p (2005 A W Jones Oration)

Ways of uncovering and investigating sexual abuse in schools are discussed in this paper. The paper looks at the size of the problem, normal sexual curiosity versus evidence of sexual abuse, the value of children's drawings in the identification of sexual abuse, why sexual abuse cannot be ignored, the economic cost of child abuse, the importance of teachers in child protection, the cost of negligence, the importance of school based child protection curriculum, the special needs of boys, risks to children with disabilities, the abuse of Indigenous children and young people, and school child protection policies. The paper argues that education is the key to child protection.

Available from: University of Adelaide, SA 5005. Internet http://www.adelaide.edu.au

Briggs, Freda.
Child sexual abuse and the legal system.
Children Australia v.32 no.2 2007: 4-7

While some changes have been made in the justice systems of Australian jurisdictions to protect child victims of sexual abuse, the adversarial system still appears to advantage the offender and cause further psychological damage to victims. Apart from the rules of evidence and the treatment of child witnesses once a matter comes to trial, the major barrier to facilitating improved justice for sexual abuse victims is the delay in the process from the time of reporting to the day of the trial. Some jurisdictions have delays of four years. The longer the delay, the greater the disadvantage to the child, both as a credible witness in court and in the continuing psychological harm. The reason for these delays is generally lack of judicial resources.

Available from: Oz Child: Children Australia http://www.ozchild.org.au

Calma, Tom.
Addressing family violence and child sexual assault in Indigenous communities: a human rights perspective.
Kensington, NSW: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales, 2006, 7p, Online
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/speeches/social_justice/20061205_family_violence.html

What are the key issues to tackle if progress is to be made in addressing family violence and sexual abuse in Indigenous communities? Selected recommendations from a 2006 report by the Secretary General of the United Nations on violence against children are outlined as a useful framework for child protection activities in New South Wales. The paper then discusses the Australian context and the response to the final report of the Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce. It concludes by outlining ten challenges for addressing family violence and sexual abuse in Indigenous communities.

Available from: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/

Cashman, Josephine.
Don't tell anyone our secret! Child sexual assault in Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Law Bulletin v.6 no.12 Jul 2005: 19-22

The prevalence of child sexual assault in Australian Indigenous communities is explored in this article, and its effects on victims examined. The article also discusses the low reporting rates for child sexual assault in Indigenous communities, Indigenous policy and child sexual assault, and government responses.

Available from: Indigenous Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052. Email ilbsubscriptions@unsw.edu.au. Internet http://www.ilb.unsw.edu.au/

Cashmore, Judy; Trimboli, Lily.
An evaluation of the NSW Child Sexual Assault Specialist Jurisdiction Pilot.
Sydney, NSW: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2005, 92p, tables, figures, illus., and Online (PDF 562KB)
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/pages/bocsar_mr_r57

This report presents the results of an evaluation of a pilot program established in the Sydney West District Court registry in March 2003 that aimed to alleviate difficulties involved with prosecuting child sexual assault matters and to improve the experience of child sexual assault complainants. The specialist jurisdiction aimed to reduce delays; improve the physical environment of the court and use special innovative measures to assist children to give evidence; and increase the skills of the legal professionals involved in the court process. Despite changes to the physical court environment that were expected to improve the experience for child complainants/ witnesses, such as the establishment of a remote child-friendly witness suite in one Court which was well received and benefitted the children able to use it, the evaluation found in practice there was little to distinguish the specialist jurisdiction from the comparison registry.

Available from: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Attorney Generals Department, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney 2000. Internet http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/bocsar

Cashmore, Judy; Trimboli, Lily.
Child sexual assault trials: a survey of juror perceptions.
Sydney, NSW: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2006, 20p, figure, tables (Crime and justice bulletin no.102), and Online (PDF 702K)
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/cjb 102.pdf/$file/cjb102.pdf

The jurors from 25 child sexual assault trials held in Sydney in 2004 and 2005 responded to a questionnaire that explored their reactions to various aspects of the trial process. These included the use of closed circuit television and pre recorded evidence of child witnesses, the credibility of child witnesses, the treatment of children by defence lawyers during cross examination, and court treatment of defendants. The jurors were also asked about their concerns about being a juror and the perceived benefits of serving on a jury. The survey of jurors was conducted as part of the evaluation of the Child Sexual Assault Specialist Jurisdiction, established in the Sydney West District Court Registry in 2003 to improve the court experiences of child sexual assault witnesses.

Available from: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Attorney General's Department http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/bocsar/

Chamarette, Christabel.
Family counselling in the treatment of intergenerational child sexual abuse.
In: Pursuing excellence in family services: Family Services Australia National Conference, Sydney, October 2004: proceedings. Deakin, ACT: Family Services Australia, 2004, 8p, Online (PDF 223K)

The approach of the SafeCare program to the treatment of child sexual abuse in families is outlined in this presentation. Points on the following topics are presented: prevalence of child sexual abuse; impact of child sexual abuse; the best interests of the child; current responses; and the SafeCare approach.

Available from: Family Services Australia, PO Box 326, Deakin ACT 2600. Email fsa@fsa. org.au. Internet http://www.fsa.org.au/

Chen, JingQi; Dunne, Michael P; Han, Ping.
Prevention of child sexual abuse in China: knowledge, attitudes and communication practices of parents of elementary school children.
Child Abuse & Neglect v.31 no.7 Jul 2007: 747-755

Little is known about parental understanding of child sexual abuse (CSA) in China. This study investigated Chinese parents' knowledge, attitudes and communication practices with their children about CSA, and identified a gap between parents' basic knowledge and the reality of CSA experiences as reported by young people in other Chinese research. The study endorses previous surveys that strongly support the concept of school based CSA prevention programs in China, but it highlights the need for prevention education to include community wide campaigns to improve parents' understanding and communication practices with their children.

Available from: International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect http://www.ispcan.org

Child Wise (Australia).
Speak up about child sexual abuse: because often they can't.
South Melbourne, Vic: Child Wise, 2007, 14p

Produced to help people recognise and respond to the behavioural signs of child sexual abuse, this booklet covers: what child sexual abuse is; why speak up; how to recognise child sexual abuse; characteristics of child sex offenders; grooming techniques; sexual development in children; how to talk to your children about sex, abuse and feeling safe; how to respond to a child who confides in you; reporting child sexual abuse.

Available from: Child Wise http://www.childwise.net/

Cossins, Anne.
Prosecuting child sexual assault cases: are vulnerable witness protections enough?
Current Issues in Criminal Justice v.18 no.2 Nov 2006: 299-317

Reforms have been introduced over the last decade to protect children when they give evidence in court. This paper analyses the effectiveness of these reforms in increasing conviction rates, reducing prosecutorial delays and improving the culture of the courtroom, thus reducing the stress and trauma experienced by child complainants. In particular, it discusses an evaluation of the Child Sexual Assault Specialist Jurisdiction Pilot Program in New South Wales and an assessment of the efficacy of a range of vulnerable witness protections in the United Kingdom. It concludes that the benefits of the British measures are largely confined to decreasing the anxiety and distress of witnesses, thereby increasing their willingness to testify and the quality of their evidence; these benefits meet the objectives of the reforms. The objectives of the NSW Pilot Program were to overcome long delays, ameliorate child unfriendly court processes and increase successful prosecutions. The paper points out that the Pilot was not implemented according to the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee that established it, and it has failed to offer a child friendly environment in which judicial officers are specially trained in child development and the dynamics of child sexual assault. The only real benefit to emerge from the Pilot was for those witnesses who had access to the remote witness room. Problems for child witnesses still remain in delays in bringing a complaint to trial and the vulnerability of children to cross examination.

Ella-Duncan, Marcia.
Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce.
Kensington, NSW: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales, 2006, 5p, Online (MS Word 36K)
http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/news_&_events/documents/ Speech_MarciaEllaDuncan_5Dec06.doc

The Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce examined child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities and reviewed the response of NSW agencies. This report summarises the following findings: the Aboriginal perspective, statistics on Aboriginal child sexual assault, barriers to accessing government services, issues with services provided and service gaps, access to counselling and support, court processes, treatment for sex offenders, education and training about child sexual assault, organisational issues, funding, and alternative models.

Available from: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/

Ella-Duncan, Marcia.
Key findings from the NSW Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce (ACSAT).
In: Child Safety Research Forum: innovative child protection practice: working with Indigenous children, young people and families. Brisbane, Qld: Strategic Policy and Research Branch, Department of Child Safety, 2007, 1 DVD (124 min.)

The NSW Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce (ACSAT) was appointed by the New South Wales Attorney General to investigate the issues of child sexual assault faced by Aboriginal communities in New South Wales, and to make recommendations on better ways of addressing the needs of Aboriginal children, families and communities who have experienced sexual assault. This presentation describes the work of ACSAT, the community consultation process used in researching the issues, and the research findings. The implications for child protection practice are discussed.

Available from: Department of Child Safety http://www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/

Ellis, Roy.
Judicial activism in child sexual assault cases.
In: Children and the Courts Conference: papers. Canberra, ACT: National Judicial College of Australia, Australian National University, 2005, 12p, Online (MS Word 50K)

Should judges be more hands on in their approach to child sexual assault cases, and what is the practicality of such a hands on judicial approach? This paper argues that judicial intervention to ensure a fair trial process does not detract from, but rather enhances, the prospects of a fair trial. It considers the degree, frequency and nature of such activism in child sexual assault cases and discusses case management and listing practices, judicial people skills, logistics of court attendance, linguistic issues, judicial education, the appellate approach to judicial activism, judicial intervention in cross examination, and legislative provisions.

Available from: National Judicial College of Australia http://njca.anu.edu.au/

Fraser, Michelle.
Outsider-witness practices in developing community with women who have experienced child sexual assault.
International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work 2006 no.3: 52-58

The West Street Centre is a community based service for women and young people who have experienced child sexual assault. As a feminist service, the centre is interested in addressing the issue of child sexual assault in forums beyond the therapy room and therapeutic group programs. It has been committed to finding ways to strengthen the community of women who use the service, as well as the women who work to respond to this issue in the community. Narrative outsider witness practices and a number of other key feminist community development ideas have provided a foundation for the organisation of two community forum days over the last two years. This paper describes these community days and the thinking that informed them. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Dulwich Centre http://www.dulwichcentre.com.au

Greer, Pam; Adams, Rene; Files, Justin; Matthews, Sara; King, Colleen.
Our silence is abusing our kids: what can our communities do about child sexual assault.
Lidcombe, NSW: Women's Legal Services NSW and Dympna House, 2004, 23p

The first part of this booklet presents general information on recognising when child sexual assault is occurring and how to deal with child victims or adult survivors. The second part describes five different community responses to child sexual assault in New South Wales: the actions taken and their outcomes. The booklet's particular focus is on support services and resources for Indigenous women and their children.

Available from: Dympna House http://www.dympnahouse.asn.au/

Hazlitt, Graham; Poletti, Patrizia; Donnelly, Hugh.
Sentencing offenders convicted of child sexual assault.
Sydney, NSW: Judicial Commission of New South Wales, 2004, 53p, tables, figures (Monograph series 25), and Online (PDF 304K)
http://www.judcom.nsw.gov.au/monograph25/monograph25.pdf

This study analyses sentences handed down to 467 offenders in the NSW District Court between 2000 and 2002, and NSW Court of Criminal Appeal child sexual assault decisions during 2000 to 2003. It considers changes in community attitudes and in sentencing and whether offenders of crimes tried years after they were committed should be sentenced according to patterns applicable at the time of the offence or at the time of sentencing. The report covers the study methodology and discusses the following areas: good character; section 21A of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999; victim impact statements; standard non parole periods; hardship of custody; persistent child sexual abuse; post sentence obligations for offenders; frequency of offences; the seriousness of the offences; gender and age of victims; gender and age of offenders; patterns of sentencing; special circumstances; other factors at sentence; and comparisons between the use of various sections of the Crimes Act.

Available from: Judicial Commission of New South Wales. Internet http://wwww.judcom.nsw.gov.au

Healey, Justin ed..
Child sexual abuse.
Thirroul, NSW: Spinney Press, 2005, 44p, tables, illus. (Issues in society no.215)

Current information about child sexual abuse from diverse sources including newspapers, magazines, websites, government reports and other organisations is collected in this publication. It is divided into two main sections: Victims of child sexual abuse and Child sex offenders. The following subtopics are covered: incidence and impact; myths; facts about sexual assault; sibling sexual abuse; rise in sex abuse between children; the link between pornography and young sex offenders; indicators of child sexual abuse; effects; reporting child sexual abuse; children and counselling; information for survivors; offender characteristics and modus operandi; paedophile database; the right to silence of the accused and abuse of children under five years; protecting your child; children stalked on the internet; child abusers abroad; child sexual abuse within the church; and why offenders abuse children.

Available from: Spinney Press, PO Box 438, Thirroul, NSW 2515. Internet http://www.spinneypress.com.au

Kite, Donna; Tyson, G A.
The impact of perpetrator gender on male and female police officers' perceptions of child sexual abuse.
Psychiatry, Psychology and Law v.11 no.2 2004: 308-318, table

Research in America, Canada and England indicates that professionals involved in the investigation of sexual abuse cases have differing perceptions of seriousness, punishment and impact on the child, based on the professional's gender and the perpetrator's gender. The aim of this study was to investigate if such effects are prevalent in Australian child-abuse investigators, specifically the police. To assess this, 361 Australian police officers responded to a self-report questionnaire relating to a vignette describing child sexual abuse. The questions examined the police officer's perception of seriousness of the incident, the police action they would take and the perceived impact on the child. The vignette described the perpetrator as either male or female, with 172 police officers responding to the female perpetrator vignette and 189 responding to the male perpetrator vignette. The results indicated that, unlike overseas research findings in this area, the police officers' gender did not influence their perception of child sexual abuse, their perceived impact on the child, or the police action they would take The gender of the perpetrator did however influence these factors, with a gender bias in favour of the female perpetrator. This finding is consistent with overseas research and is a factor that those working in the area should be aware of to ensure incidents involving female perpetrators are not underestimated or dismissed. (Journal abstract)

Available from: Australian Academic Press

MacDonald, Helen.
Into the archives: child sexual abuse, Van Diemen's Land, 1838.
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre Newsletter no.2 Winter 2005: 9-13

This article recounts a case of child abuse that occurred in Tasmania in 1838, highlighting important similarities and differences to our understanding of child abuse over time and drawing attention to implications for service provision and intervention in the present day.

Available from: Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, 292 Wellington Street, Collingwood Vic 3066. Internet http://www.dvrcv.org.au

Mann, Sue.
How can you do this work? Responding to questions about the experience of working with women who were subjected to child sexual abuse.
International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work no.2 2005: 11-22

Many women who consult the author, a therapist who works in the field of child sexual abuse, ask how she can do this work. This article considers the complexities involved in answering such a question. It considers how the therapist can respond to the question and how counsellors can explore the meaning of their experiences of this work. The article discusses the women's past experiences of talking about abuse; their understandings about therapy; the effects of abuse; the women's values and intentions in asking the question; what the question means to the author; the isolation of women who experienced child sexual abuse and community; understanding and responding to distress and sorrow in the work of therapy; and ways of understanding experiences of therapist distress. The article describes a case study of a woman who was concerned that her counsellors would be affected by her abuse.

Available from: Dulwich Centre, Hutt St PO Box 7192, Adelaide SA 5000. Internet http://www.dulwichcentre.com.au

Mathews, Ben.
Judicial considerations of reasonable conduct by survivors of child sexual abuse.
University of New South Wales Law Journal v.27 no.3 2004: 631-666

Some survivors of child sexual abuse who wish to bring civil legal proceedings, but for whom the statutory time limit has run out, may apply for an extension of time to allow their claim to proceed. This article describes the typical short and long term consequences of child sexual abuse, focusing on post traumatic stress disorder, which may prevent survivors from reporting the abuse in time. It outlines the statutory provisions for extensions of time and looks at judicial reasoning in several Queensland case studies of applications by survivors with post traumatic stress disorder to extend time. The article considers whether post traumatic stress disorder can constitute a legal disability in the context of an application for an extension of time.

Available from: University of New South Wales Law Journal, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW. Internet http://www.unswlawjournal.unsw.edu.au

Monahan, Geoff.
Allegations of child sexual abuse in Family Court cases.
Law Society Journal v.43 no.7 Aug 2005: 66-67

In Re W (Sex abuse: standard of proof), heard in the Family Court in 2004, a father was convicted of the sexual abuse of his daughter and was denied contact with both his children. On appeal, the Full Court of the Family Court overturned both decisions. This article considers the standard of proof required in child sexual abuse cases and the balance between the risk of detriment to a child from sexual abuse and the possibility of benefit to the child from contact with a parent.

Available from: Law Society Journal, Law Society of New South Wales, 170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Internet http://lawsocnsw.asn.au/

New South Wales Government.
New South Wales interagency plan to tackle child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities: 2006-2011.
Sydney, NSW: New South Wales Government, 2007, 30p, figure, and Online (PDF 339K)
http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au/data/files/NSW Govt Plan to Tackle Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault.pdf

The Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce report of July 2006 highlighted concerns that child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities is widespread and widely underreported. The five year plan set out in this document provides for a whole of government response to this problem and related aspects of Indigenous disadvantage such as substance abuse, social and economic disadvantage, poor mental and physical health, and family violence. The plan proposes that the New South Wales Government works with Indigenous communities in coordinating service delivery and improving service responses, particularly in regional and remote areas.

Available from: New South Wales Government http://www.nsw.gov.au/

New South Wales. Attorney General's Department.
Breaking the silence: creating the future. Addressing child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities in NSW.
Sydney, NSW: Attorney General's Department, 2006, 335p, figures, cd-rom, and Online
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/acsat

It is widely accepted that Aboriginal children are more likely to be victims of child sexual assault than their non Aboriginal counterparts. It is also accepted that child sexual assault is a grossly underreported crime, particularly in Aboriginal communities. This report contains data and research that describes a stark picture of intergenerational abuse and social disadvantage. The primary aim of this report was to examine child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities, review how government and non government agencies in NSW respond and make recommendations about how these responses could be improved. The report examined the relationship between child sexual assault and family violence and overarching government responses to child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities. It specifically looked at NSW agency responses to child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities and alternative models for addressing child sexual assault.

Available from: NSW Attorney General's Department www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au

O'Brien, Louise; Henderson, Corinne.
Reframing responses: improving service provision to women survivors of child sexual abuse who experience mental health problems.
Auseinetter no.27 Nov 2006: 20-21, and Online (whole issue PDF 3.4MB)
http://www.auseinet.com/resources/auseinet/netter27/auseinetter_27.pdf

The Reframing Responses project aimed to improve services to female survivors of childhood sexual abuse who experience mental health problems. This article summarises the research on the service needs and service usage of these women, explains the research study design and summarises the study recommendations.

Available from: Auseinet http://auseinet.flinders.edu.au

Purvis, Mayumi.
The space in-between: bringing together feminist and psychological theories on child sexual abuse.
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre Newsletter no.2 Winter 2004: 12-17

In this paper, the author puts forward a potential solution to the problem concerning the separation of intellectual ways of understanding child sexual abuse, specifically the separation of feminist and psychological theories. Psychological theories have dominated the approach to targeting and dealing with child sexual abuse and sexual offenders. The author argues that we can improve our chances of reducing child sexual abuse by understanding the differences between feminist and psychological approaches and joining their best features through a public health approach. (Journal abstract)

Available from: Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, 292 Wellington Street, Collingwood Vic 3066. Internet http://www.dvrcv.org.au/

Purvis, Mayumi; Joyce, Andrew.
Preventing child sexual abuse through a public health approach. What is Australia doing?
DVIRC Quarterly (Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre) no.1 Autumn 2006: 9-13

The high prevalence rates and potentially far reaching consequences of child sexual abuse clearly establishes its status as a public health problem. There is now evidence that suggests a link between child sexual abuse, damage to physiological systems, and the development of illness and disease. This article argues that there is an urgent need for action in Australia to prevent child sexual abuse. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre http://www.dvrcv.org.au/

Resofsky, Vivien.
Stewards of Children: a primary prevention program for child sexual abuse.
Child Abuse Prevention Newsletter v.15 no.2 2007: 12-16
http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/pubs/newsletters/nl2007/winter.html

This article profiles a new approach to the prevention of child sexual abuse that has been developed in the United States over the last decade: the Stewards of Children program. The program educates adults to recognise, prevent and respond responsibly to child sexual abuse. The article explores the rationale for considering the program and its potential usefulness in Australia. It then outlines the key elements of the program and feedback from some of those who have participated in the Stewards of Children training program. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/

Robinson, Greg; Haddock, Lianne.
Speaking out: adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
Gosford, NSW: Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre, 2004, 1 video (43 min), 1 booket/discussion guide

The journeys of five adult survivors of child sexual abuse are followed as the program takes the audience through processes of counselling and healing. The film uses song, dialogue and flashback scenes to give voice to the stories, and identifies ways survivors can seek support through friends, counsellors and group work. The project aims to raise community awareness of child sexual abuse and encourage survivors to seek support and assistance.

Smallbone, Stephen; Marshall, William L; Wortley, Richard.
Preventing child sexual abuse: evidence, policy and practice.
Cullompton, UK: Willan Publishing, 2008, 262p

This book applies current knowledge on child sexual abuse and sex offenders towards prevention policy and practice. It integrates international clinical, criminological, evidence-based crime prevention, and child abuse research, to intervene in and prevent the situational and risk factors that lead to child abuse. Chapters are included on the prevalence, dimensions, and scope of child sexual abuse; explaining child sexual abuse with a new integrated theory; identifying prevention targets, including offenders, victims, situations, and communities; developmental prevention; criminal justice interventions, including deterrence and incapacitation; treating adult and adolescent offenders; interventions with known and potential victims; situational prevention; and community-focused approaches to crime prevention and preventing sexual abuse. The book concludes with a comprehensive prevention strategy involving a 12 point model of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention action.

Spataro, Josie; Mullen, Paul E; Burgess, Philip M; Wells, David L; Moss, Simon A.
Impact of child sexual abuse on mental health.
British Journal of Psychiatry v.184 no.6 June 2004: 416-421, tables

A Victorian study examined the association between child sexual abuse and subsequent treatment for mental disorder in boys and girls. This article discusses the following results of the study: associations between child sexual abuse and mental disorders in adult life, child sexual abuse and childhood mental disorders, child sexual abuse and personality disorders, male and female differences in the association with abuse, and child sexual abuse and schizophrenia.

Available from: British Journal of Psychiatry. Internet http://bjp.rcpsych.org/

Taylor, Caroline S.
Surviving the legal system: a handbook for adult and child sexual assault survivors and their supporters.
Port Melbourne, Vic: Coulomb Communications, 2004, 196p

This book provides information on the criminal justice system's dealing with sexual assault and child abuse cases in a handbook form for survivors of sexual asssault, rape and child abuse. Information about how to deal with police and the court system as well as the procedures, strategies and tactics of defence baristers in sexual offence trials is presented in an accessable languge and format.

Terare, Mareese.
Child sexual assault: just services: exploring possibilities to change.
Kensington, NSW: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales, 2006, 4p, Online (MS Word 34K)
http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/news_&_events/documents/ Speech_MareeseTerare_5Dec06.doc

The silence and shame that Aboriginal children and young people who are victims of sexual assault experience must be redirected onto the offenders and the systems that allow the abuse to continue. This paper considers whether crimes against children can be stopped, how child sexual assault can be stopped, and how justice and support can be provided to Aboriginal children and young people who have been affected by sexual assault.

Available from: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/

Van Loon, Anne.
Four new resources for those working with survivors of child sexual abuse.
Aware: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault Newsletter no.11 May 2006: 17-19, and Online
http://www.aifs.gov.au/acssa/pubs/newsletter/n11.html#resources

A two year capacity building participatory action research project, which worked with women survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their service providers, is discussed. The article looks at the background to the project; the research process; the methodology, which was based on the Look, Think and Act process; and the four new resources that were produced as outputs of the project.

Available from: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault http://www.aifs.gov.au/acssa/

Van Loon, Antonia M; Kralik, Debbie.
Reclaiming myself after child sexual abuse.
Glenside, SA: Royal District Nursing Service of SA, 2005, 197p, Online (PDF 2326K)
http://www.rdns.org.au/research_unit/documents/Reclaiming_Myself_Resource.pdf

An action research project was undertaken by the Research Unit of the Royal District Nursing Service of SA with homeless women survivors of childhood sexual abuse to find ways of capacity building that would improve the women's self care. This book is an outcome of the project. The decision to write it was made by the participants of the study, to explain the healing process to other sexual abuse survivors and to provide guidance and resources so that they can undertake the process themselves.

Available from: Royal District Nursing Service of SA Inc. http://www.rdns.org.au/

Van Loon, Antonia; Kralik, Debbie.
A capacity building process for women with a history of child sexual abuse.
Australian Journal of Primary Health v.12 no.2 Aug 2006: 167-176, figure, table

We report the research process used to promote the capacity of women made homeless by the consequences of addictions to alcohol, drugs or gambling, that are considered the result of being sexually abused as children. We aimed to improve the capacity of service providers working with this client group. We used the participatory action research (PAR) process 'Look, Think, Act', employed by Stringer (1999; Stringer & Gene!, 2004). 'Looking' involved building a picture of the issue based on available information. Participants described what was going on so a clear picture of the context emerged. "Thinking" was the clarification phase where meanings and feelings generated by the experience were explored. It involved sense-making questions such as, "What is happening and why? How am I feeling about this?" The aim was to understand the when, what, where and how of the experience. After describing the issues the women were invited to think about what they could do about the issue. 'Acting' (a difficult phase), involved effecting change. Action required involvement with the situation. It was a new skill for many women as they had become disengaged with their lives. They were encouraged to choose actions that moved them towards chosen goals. Many women had become so disempowered they ignored their needs and had few hopes or aspirations. We encouraged them to take the smallest and most easily managed actions likely to have the most benefit for their wellbeing. The process arid the outcomes are described in this paper. (Journal abstract)

Available from: Australian Institute for Primary Care, La Trobe University in association with the Primary and Community Health Network. Internet http://www.latrobe.edu.au/aipc/ajph

Wright, Lorraine; Stanford, Chrystina; Porteous, Julie; Wightman, Melissa; Efthimiadis, Noula.
Discoveries II: a group work program for women who have experienced child sexual assault.
Haberfield, NSW: Dympna House, 2006, 112p

This manual presents a group therapy program for women who experienced childhood sexual abuse. Each session works towards helping women identify their strengths, reduce their social isolation, and increase their strategies for managing the effects of childhood trauma. This manual outlines the benefits of a supportive group environment, the effect of abuse, techniques for leading groups, and session activities, and includes session hand outs.

Available from: Dympna House, http://www.dympnahouse.asn.au/

Young, Mandy.
Breaking the silence, creating the future: addressing child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities in NSW.
In: Positive Ways: an Indigenous Say: conference papers. Darwin, NT: Victims of Crime NT, 2006, 10p, Online (MS Word 99K)
http://sitebuilder.yodelaustralia.com.au/sites/5530/Mandy%20Young.doc

The Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce aimed to examine child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities, and review how government and non government agencies in NSW respond to this issue. The following findings are discussed: the Aboriginal community's perspective on child sexual assault; the relationship between child sexual assault and family violence; government responses to child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities; barriers to accessing government services; issues with services provided and service gaps; access to counselling and support to address child sexual assault; court processes; treatment for sex offenders; education and training about child sexual assault; service planning; employing Aboriginal staff; funding; and alternative models for addressing child sexual assault.

Available from: Victims of Crime NT http://www.victimsofcrime.org.au/

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