Sexual Violence research project first of its kind
The Ministry of Women's Affairs (MWA) is leading Strong and safe communities: effective interventions for adult victims of sexual violence in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the New Zealand Police (Police). This two-year sexual violence research project currently underway is the first of its kind to be funded by Government, one of several factors that make the research project unique.
The broad scope of the work streams and the wide range of methods being employed in the research also set the project apart.
One work stream, which is an international and national literature review on best practice and challenges for agencies that respond to survivors of sexual violence, has been completed in draft form. A study on the attrition rate for sexual violation offence charges recorded by Police between July 2005 and December 2007 is also completed and the data is being analysed. This is the first New Zealand study that will provide information on how many sexual violence survivors withdraw during the different stages of the criminal justice process, after initially making a complaint.
An "environmental scan" of systems, agencies, and organisations that are available to adult victims and survivors of sexual violence is underway. This includes in-depth case studies in three locations. This study will provide information and a better understanding of our current capacity to respond effectively to survivors as well as examining factors that hinder response.
The final work stream is a qualitative study that centres on the victim and involves surveys and interviews with both male and female survivors. This will give us insight into survivors' health and well-being and will help improve our understanding of how survivors seek help and cope with their experience, both short-term and long-term.
The research findings from all four work streams will fill important gaps in information on survivors' help-seeking; reporting and prosecuting of sexual offending; has the potential to improve support systems for survivors of sexual violence; and enhance the likelihood of victims/survivors reporting to police and persisting through the criminal justice system, where appropriate.
These varied work streams will result in a strong evidence base for the final report and recommendations to Government. The research is one initiative contributing to a wider programme aimed at reducing family and sexual violence in New Zealand. The research project recommendations will centre on improving responses to survivors across the criminal, justice, and health sectors.
The research project manager is Dr Denise Lievore and the research co-ordinator is Nicole Benkert. The team is working closely with NGOs to support the work of the project.
