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2011

Comparative review on national strategies in the prevention of domestic violence

The objective of this study is to identify the essential elements of national policies that contribute to the prevention of domestic violence with reference to the selected eight countries. National policies and strategies to combat domestic violence are reviewed, and the central mechanisms in each country that implement policy and coordinate service delivery are identified.

Download: Comparative review on national strategies in the prevention of domestic violence ( 320Kb )

Source: Bentham Science Publishers

Non-disclosure of violence in Australian Indigenous communities (2011)

This paper explores some of the reasons for the high rates of non-disclosure of violence in Indigenous communities.

Download: Non-disclosure of violence in Australian Indigenous communities (2011) ( 1.4Mb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Personality trait preferences for best friends and romantic partners in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse

The objective of the research is to provide a broader examination of the association between maladaptive interpersonal relationships and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) by examining womens personality preferences for best friends and romantic partners.

Download: Personality trait preferences for best friends and romantic partners ( 288Kb )

Source: OhioLINK

Staying Home Leaving Violence: Listening to womens experiences. Edwards, R. (2011)

This Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) report discusses findings from a small qualitative research study conducted in partnership with the NSW Staying Home Leaving Violence Program. Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) is an innovative and developing program which provides practical and emotional support to women leaving domestic violence, with the aim to support the victims to remain safely in their own home.

Download: Staying Home Leaving Violence: Listening to womens experiences ( 185Kb )

Source: Social Policy Research Centre, University of NSW

Talk about it survey: Results & recommendaions

The Talk About it survey questioned over 1500 women on their experiences of sexual assault and harassment, their perceptions of safety, the availability of information and services and their experiences of how well incidences were dealt with once reported.

Download: Talk about it survey: Results & recommendaions ( 927Kb )

Source: National Union of Students

2010

20 Year prospective follow up study of specialized treatment for adolescents who offended sexually

Most follow-up investigations of the effectiveness of specialized treatment for adolescents who have offended sexually have not included a comparison group. Furthermore, the average length of most previous studies is approximately 5 years. This investigation is a 10-year extension of our prospective, 10-year follow-up study of specialized treatment. Recidivism data (criminal charges) were collected from a national database for 148 adolescents who had offended sexually.

Download: 20 Year prospective follow up study of specialized treatment for adolescents who offended sexually ( 191Kb )

Source: SAFE NZ

Australian Crime: Facts and Figures 2010

This compendium of the most recently available national information on crime in Australia is intended to serve as a ready reference. It covers different types of recorded crimes, their place of occurrence, victim details, responses of criminal justice agencies, and government resources directed to deal with crime.

Download: Australian Crime: Facts and Figures 2010 ( 5.7Mb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Dangerous liaisons?: A feminist and restorative approach to sexual assault

The appropriateness of restorative justice (RJ) for gendered violence offences such as domestic violence and sexual assault has always been and still is highly contested. This paper focuses on the appropriateness of RJ measures in addressing sexual assault, primarily with reference to experience of restorative dialogues as practiced at the Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault in Copenhagen, and it takes a feminist approach to the application of RJ measures to sexual assault.

Download: Dangerous liaisons?: A feminist and restorative approach to sexual assault ( 271Kb )

Source: doiSerbia

Final Report Family Violence - A National Legal Response (2010)

The 2009 report of the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, Time for Action, acknowledged the complex interraction between State and Territory family/domestic violence and child protection laws and the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The National Council also stressed the importance of consistent interpretation and application of laws relating to family/domestic violence and sexual assault, including rules of evidence, in ensuring justice for victims of such violence.

At its meeting of 1617 April 2009, the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General agreed that Australian law reform commissions should work together to consider these issues.

This Report contains 187 recommendations for reform spread across eight parts.

Download: Final Report Family Violence - A National Legal Response (2010)

Source: Australian Law Reform Commission

Happy, healthy woman: Not just survivors

This paper reviews the literature on the long-term physical and psychological health impacts of sexual trauma in women and overviews how this knowledge translates into medical education and best practice in medical treatment in Australia.

Download: Happy, healthy woman: Not just survivors ( 931Kb )

Source: Edith Cowan University

Recorded Crime - Victims, Australia, 2010

This publication presents national crime statistics relating to victims of a selected range of offences that have been recorded by police. These statistics provide indicators of the level and nature of recorded crime victimisation in Australia and a basis for measuring change over time. As not all crimes are reported to or recorded by police, other data sources can assist in providing a more comprehensive view of crime levels in society.

Download: Recorded Crime - Victims, Australia, 2010 ( 1.5Mb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

(Re)Gendering violence: Men, masculinities and violence

This paper focuses on constructions of violence, in particular the ways in which violence is constructed as a social problem in and through policy discourses.

Download: (Re)Gendering violence: Men, masculinities and violence ( 180Kb )

Source: University of Sydney

Sexual victimization and hazardous drinking among heterosexual and sexual minority women

Although research shows that sexual minority women report high rates of lifetime sexual victimization and high rates of hazardous drinking, investigators have yet to explore the relationships between sexual victimization and hazardous drinking in this population. In addition, because rates of these problems may vary within the sexual minority population, we examined and compared relationships between sexual victimization and hazardous drinking in exclusively heterosexual and sexual minority (mostly heterosexual, bisexual, mostly lesbian and exclusively lesbian) women.

Download: Sexual victimization and hazardous drinking among heterosexual and sexual minority women ( 138Kb )

Source: University of Illinois at Chicago

Suicide and fatal drug overdose in child sexual abuse victims: a historical cohort study

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate and risk of suicide and accidental fatal drug overdose in more than 2000 individuals up to 44 years after experiencing CSA - and to examine other characteristics among CSA victims who die from self-harm.

Download: Suicide and fatal drug overdose in child sexual abuse victims ( 168Kb )

Source: The Medical Journal of Australia

2009

A Picture of Australia's Children 2009

This report delivers the latest information on how, as a nation, we are faring according to key indicators of child health, development and wellbeing. Death rates among children have fallen dramatically, and most children are physically active and meet minimum standards for reading and numeracy. But it is not all good news. Rates of severe disability and diabetes are on the rise. Too many children are overweight or obese, or are at risk of homelessness, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children fare worse on most key indicators.

Download: A Picture of Australia's Children 2009 ( 1.8Mb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

Australian Social Trends 2009 (cat. no. 4102.0)

Since 1994 Australian social trends has presented articles and key statistics across all areas of social concern.

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Adolescent Stalking: Offence Characteristics and Effectiveness of Intervention Orders 2009
Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, no. 369

To date, research on stalking has focused almost exclusively on adults. This paper examines the nature of stalking among adolescents to determine the characteristics of stalkers and their victims and the utility of intervention orders for managing this behaviour.

Download: Adolescent Stalking ( 775Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey 2009

VicHealth was commissioned by the Commonwealth Government in February 2009 to undertake a National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women. The survey involved approximately 13,000 men and women from across Australia. It included Indigenous Australians, people from culturally diverse communities and a sample of 16- and 17-year old respondents. The design of these components was supported by an Advisory Group to ensure the research approach was methodologically, ethically and culturally sound.

Download: National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women: Changing cultures, changing attitudes: Summary of findings ( 1Mb )

Download: National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women: Changing cultures, changing attitudes: Fact sheet ( 103Kb )

Download: National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women: Changing cultures, changing attitudes: Project technical report ( 2.7Mb )

Source: VicHealth

Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2009

This is the fourth report in a series commissioned by heads of Australian governments in 2002, to provide regular reporting against key indicators of Indigenous disadvantage.

Download: Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage 2009 ( 3.8Mb )

Source: Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision 2009

Predator or prey (2009)

An exploration of the impact and incidence of sexual assault in Western Australian prisons.

Download: Predator or prey (2009) ( 284Kb )

Source: Murdoch University - Centre for Social and Community Research

Rape and attrition in the legal process: A comparative analysis of five countries

This paper draws on over 90 empirical studies from Australia, Canada, England & Wales, Scotland, and the United States on the legal response to rape and sexual assault from 1970 to 2005. It is supplemented by victimization surveys, police statistics, and court data from these countries. The findings are that despite legal reforms, we see little improvement in police, prosecutor, and court handling of rape and sexual assault.

Download: Rape and attrition in the legal process ( 1.2Mb )

Source: Griffith University

Raped by a Partner - a research report (2009)

Women who are raped or who suffer domestic violence are somehow thought of in the popular imagination as a stereotype. According to this, the women are asking for it, dressed inappropriately, provoking it - responsible for it. While this is clearly uninformed, our sample provides yet more evidence that any woman is vulnerable to rape. We do not need to be a certain type of woman, or to behave in particular ways, or to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Download: Raped by a Partner - a research report ( 1.5Mb )

Source: Women's Health Goulburn North East

Time for Action

The Plan of Action describes the commitment and actions needed to guide all Australians, their governments and communities in reducing violence against women and their children.

Download: Time for Action: The National Council's Plan for Australia to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children, 2009-2021 ( 178Kb )

Source: The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)

Time for Action - The Cost of Violence Against Women and Their Children

A part of the National Plan - Time for Action, this report updates the 2002-03 cost estimates and projects the costs to 2021-226.

Download: The Cost of Violence Against Women and Their Children ( 546Kb )

Source: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)

Sexual Assault - the law, your rights as a victim

This booklet is mainly for people who are over 16 years and has been written to help you understand your legal rights after sexual assault.

Download: Sexual Assault - the law, your rights as a victim ( 829Kb )

Source: Victoria Legal Aid

2008

Australian Crime: Facts and Figures 2008

This compendium of the most recently available national information on crime in Australia is intended to serve as a ready reference. It covers different types of recorded crimes, their place of occurrence, victim details, responses of criminal justice agencies, and government resources directed to deal with crime.

Download: Australian Crime: Facts and Figures 2008 ( 3.5Mb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Building the Evidence: A report on the status of policy and practice in responding to violence against women with disabilities in Victoria

The purpose of this research was to analyse the extent to which current Victorian family violence policy and practice recognises and provides for women with disabilities who experience violence. Research was conducted from December 2007 to June 2008.

Download: Building the Evidence: A report on the status of policy and practice in responding to violence against women with disabilities in Victoria ( 1.8Mb )

Source: Women's Health Victoria

Sexual Assault Against Men 2008 (cfi170)

Findings of sexual assault against men aged 18 and over in the 12 months before the survey include that 0.6% of men (42,300) experienced sexual assault, and that 44% (18,500) of these men experienced sexual assault by a family member or friend in the most recent incident, 35% (14,900) by an other known person and 33% (13,900) by a stranger. A total of 5.5% (408,100) of men reported experiencing sexual violence since the age of 15.

Download: Sexual Assault Against Men 2008 ( 83Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Sex Offender Treatment Programs: Effectiveness of Prison and Community Based Programs in Australia and New Zealand 2008

This compendium of the most recently available national information on crime in Australia is intended to serve as a ready reference. It covers different types of recorded crimes, their place of occurrence, victim details, responses of criminal justice agencies, and government resources directed to deal with crime.

Download: Sex Offender Treatment Programs ( 120Kb )

Source: The Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse

Trends in Violent Crime 2008

If homicide is the yardstick by which the level of violence in society is measured, then the belief that violence is increasing in Australia cannot be substantiated. The significant increase in recorded assault and sexual assault potentially contradicts this view, but without supporting evidence from other sources of information, such an interpretation can only remain provisional

Download: Trends in Violent Crime 2008 ( 180Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Women, Domestic and Family Violence and Homelessness: A Synthesis Report August 2008

This report investigates the support and accommodation needs of women (andchildren) affected by domestic and family violence.

Download: A Synthesis Report 2008 ( 338Kb )

Source: The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)

2007

Australian Crime: Facts and Figures 2007

This compendium of the most recently available national information on crime in Australia is intended to serve as a ready reference. It covers different types of recorded crimes, their place of occurrence, victim details, responses of criminal justice agencies, and government resources directed to deal with crime.

Download: Australian Crime: Facts and Figures 2007 ( 2.9Mb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Interpersonal Violence 2007

In 2005, 11% of men and 6% of women aged 18 years and over reported experiencing violence during the 12 months prior to interview.

Download: Interpersonal Violence 2007 ( 157Kb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Offences Recorded by Police, Adult Courts and Corrections - Crime and Justice in South Australia, 2007

Download: Offences Recorded by Police, Adult Courts and Corrections - SA - 2007 ( 3Mb )

Source: Government of South Australia - Attorney General's Department

Offences Recorded by Police, The Victims and Alleged Perpetrators - Crime and Justice in South Australia, 2007

Download: Offences Recorded by Police, The Victims and Alleged Perpetrator - SA - 2007 ( 3Mb )

Source: Government of South Australia - Attorney General's Department

Recidivism Sex Offenders Research Paper January 2007

This research paper examines the evidence about the prevalence and nature of sexual offending, characteristics of sex offenders, recidivism rates among different kinds of sex offenders and the efficacy of treatment programs.

Download: Recidivism Sex Offenders Research Paper January 2007 ( 705Kb )

Source: The Sentencing Advisory Council

2006

An Investigation into the Effective and Ethical Interviewing of Suspected Sex Offenders 2006
Trends and Issues No. 327

The study reported here investigates ways of improving the likelihood of a guilty offender confessing and is based on interviews with offenders and police.

Download: An Investigation into the Effective and Ethical Interviewing of Suspected Sex Offenders 2006 ( 220Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Criminal Courts 2005 - 2006

This publication presents nationally comparable statistics relating to the criminal jurisdiction of the Higher (Supreme and Intermediate) and Magistrates' Courts across Australia for the period 1 July 2005-30 June 2006. Children's Criminal Courts data are also provided on an experimental basis. The statistics describe the characteristics of defendants, including information on the offences and sentences associated with those defendants.

Download: Criminal Courts 2005 - 2006 ( 1.8Mb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Family Violence Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples November 2006

'Family violence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' presents information on the extent of violence (in particular family violence) in the Indigenous population, using existing surveys and administrative data collections. Information is presented on the prevalence of violence, associated harm and services for victims of violence, as well as on those in contact with the criminal justice system. The report also discusses gaps in existing information, the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are identified and strategies to improve the information on family violence. This report is a useful resource for policy makers, administrators of programs and researchers with an interest in issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Download: Family Violence Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples November 2006 ( 563Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

Male Survivors of Sexual Assault and Rape September 2006

This resource document provides a current overview of research and information concerning male survivors of sexual assault and rape. Men's experiences can differ from women's, and the context and the effects of male sexual assault varies across children, adolescents and adults.

Download: Male Survivors of Sexual Assault and Rape September 2006 ( 195Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute for Family Studies (AIFS)

Recorded Crime - Victims 2006

This publication presents national crime statistics relating to victims of a selected range of offences that have been recorded by police. These statistics provide indicators of the level and nature of recorded crime victimisation in Australia and a basis for measuring change over time. As not all crimes are reported to or recorded by police, other data sources can assist in providing a more comprehensive view of crime levels in society.

Download: Recorded Crime - Victims 2006 ( 1.1Mb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Study of Reported Rapes in Victoria 2000-2003

This study is the first extensive analysis of police investigations into rape offences in Victoria in more than a decade. It analysed 850 rapes reported to Victoria Police over three years, from 2000 to 2003, using the Victoria Police Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) database. It examined rape investigations and the factors that appeared to influence the outcomes, especially where the complaint was withdrawn or the investigation did not proceed.

Download: Study of Reported Rapes in Victoria 2000-2003 ( 448Kb )

Source: The Office of Women's Policy (OWP)

2005

Building Partnerships Between Mental Health, Faamily Violence and Sexual Assault Services: Project Report

The Building Partnerships Between Mental Health Services, Family Violence and Sexual Assault Services project (the 'Partnerships Project') was established to improve outcomes for women with a mental illness who have experienced sexual assault and/or family violence. This report describes the fi ndings of the Partnerships Project.

Download: Building Partnerships ( 527Kb )

Source: The Department of Human Services, Victoria

Does Thinking Make It So? Defining Online Child Pornography Possession Offences April 2005

This paper reviews the ways in which child sexual abuse images can be categorised and, inparticular, examines the impact of the viewer's perception on the definition of child pornographyoffences in Australia.

Download: Does Thinking Make It So? ( 206Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS) 2004 and 2005

The European Crime and Safety Survey (EU ICS) is the most comprehensive analysis of crime, security and safety ever conducted in the European Union.
The survey compares levels of victimisation across the EU and measures how citizens feel about their security and safety. It analyses the relationships between the EU citizens' views on their quality of life and the levels of neighbourhood crime across the EU (the EU-15, Estonia, Poland and Hungary) - all independent of actual police records.

Download: Criminal Victimisation in International Perspective: Key Findings from the 2004-2005 ICVS and EU ICS. ( 1.6Mb )

Source: The European Crime and Safety Survey (EU ICS)

National Crime and Safety, Australia 2005

This publication presents the results of the sixth national Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) household survey of crime and safety conducted during April to July 2005. It forms part of the commitment by the ABS to present a comprehensive view of crime and the criminal justice system in Australia. In 2005, there were an estimated 44,100 persons aged 18 years and over who were victims of at least one sexual assault in the 12 months prior to the survey; a victimisation prevalence rate of 0.3%. Approximately 72,000 incidents of sexual assault were experienced by these victims.

Download: National Crime and Safety, Australia 2005 ( 1.1Mb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Personal Safety Survey 2005

This publication presents results from the national Personal Safety Survey (PSS) conducted during August to December 2005. It forms part of the commitment by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to present a comprehensive view of crime and the criminal justice system in Australia.

Download: Personal Safety Survey 2005 ( 1.4Mb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Personal Safety Survey: User Guide Australia 2005

The Personal Safety Survey (PSS) was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from August to December 2005. The survey provides information on people's safety at home and in the community and, in particular, on the nature and extent of violence against men and women in Australia. It collected information about experiences of physical and sexual violence. Key findings from the survey are presented in 2005 Personal Safety, Australia (cat no. 4906.0) which was released in August 2006.

Download: Personal Safety Survey: User Guide Australia 2005 ( 900Kb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Slow Progress in Official Statistics Bringing Violence Against Women to Public Scrutiny

Violence against women is an area where data collection remains fraught with difficulties, but also where progress is apparent, according to a UN report from the Department of Economic and Social Affairs on the state of statistics on women. Over the last ten years, considerable progress has been made in developing methodologies and procedures for collecting data on violence against women. The adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995 has led to an increase in the number of countries conducting national surveys on violence against women, albeit, with a small number (Australia, Canada and the United States, for example) doing so on a regular basis.

Download: Slow Progress ( 133Kb )

Source: The World's Women 2005 Progress in Official Statistics (United Nations)

The Men's Project - Exploring Responses to Men Who Are Victims or Perpetrators of Family and Domestic Violence. 2004/2005

This paper reviews the ways in which child sexual abuse images can be categorised and, inparticular, examines the impact of the viewer's perception on the definition of child pornographyoffences in Australia.

Download: The Men's Project ( 473Kb )

Source: Department for Community Development, Government of Western Australia, Family and Domestic Violence Unit

The Law and Sexual Offences Against Adults in Australia: Issues No. 4 June 2005

This paper outlines those laws of evidence that have had significant impacts upon procedures in sexual offence trials and on victim-complainants' experiences in court. It provides an accessible introduction to the current status of the laws governing penetrative sexual offences in each Australian state and territory jurisdiction to allow sexual assault workers, counsellors and victim-complainants to understand more readily the relevant criminal law in their particular state.

Download: Issues No. 4 June 2005 ( 839Kb )

Source: The Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault (ACSSA)

World Health Organisation Multi-country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence against Women 2005

This report presents initial results based on interviews with 24 000 women by carefully trained interviewers. The study was implemented by WHO, in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), PATH, USA, research institutions and women's organizations in the participating countries. This report covers 15 sites and 10 countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, Japan, Peru, Namibia, Samoa, Serbia and Montenegro, Thailand and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Report findings document the prevalence of intimate partner violence and its association with women's physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. Data is included on non-partner violence, sexual abuse during childhood and forced first sexual experience.

Download: Multi-country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence Against Women ( 21.5Mb )

Source: World Health Organisation Multi-country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence Against Women

2004

Sexual Assault in Australia: A Statistical Overview 2004

This publication presents statistics which provide a broad overview of sexual assault in Australia. It includes data from selected ABS and other sources, as well as commentary to describe the prevalence and incidence of sexual assault, individual experiences, responses provided and resultant outcomes. It also highlights the potential of data currently available, through their compilation in this form, and draws attention to the gaps in data and issues relating to the data currently available

Download: Sexual Assault in Australia: A Statistical Overview 2004 ( 1.8Mb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Sexual Offences Final Report 2004

In 2001 the Attorney-General, the Honourable Rob Hulls, asked the Victorian Law Reform Commission to consider whether the criminal justice system is sufficiently responsive to the needs of complainants in sexual offence cases and to make recommendations for any necessary changes. This Final Report is the culmination of three years work, which has included both research on the way current laws and procedures work in practice and extensive consultations.

Download: Sexual Offences Final Report 2004 ( 1.8Mb )

Source: The Victorian Law Reform Commission

The Cost of Domestic Violence to the Australian Economy 2004

The Office for the Status of Women (OSW) commissioned Access Economics to undertake a study of the costs of domestic violence to the Australian economy.

Download: Cost of Domestic Violence Part 1 ( 414Kb )

Download: Cost of Domestic Violence Part 2 ( 354Kb )

Download: Cost of Domestic Violence Corrigendum ( 16Kb )

Source: Access Economics

Towards Collaboration - A resource guide for child protection and family violence services

There is an emerging body of national and international research that highlights family violence as a major risk factor for children. The Child Protection and Family Violence service sectors are looking for ways to share and draw upon their considerable practice wisdom to improve their work with, and outcomes for, children and their families experiencing family violence. This publication provides support, information for and enhances, cross-sector collaboration.

Download: Towards Collaboration ( 280Kb )

Source: The Department of Human Services, Victoria

Women's Experiences of Male Violence: Findings From the Australian Component of the International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS)

The International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS) was conducted across Australia between December 2002 and June 2003. A total of 6,677 women aged between 18 and 69 years participated in the survey, and provided information on their experiences of physical and sexual violence. This report describes the type of violence (including threats of violence) by current and former intimate male partners, other known males, such as relatives, friends and acquaintances, and strangers. It also examines women's reported experiences of childhood violence, as well as their perceptions and reactions to the violence they experienced.

Download: The International Violence Against Women Survey 2004 ( 2.3Mb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Young People Who Self-Injure

The Young People Who Self-Injure (YPSI) project grew in recognition of difficulties identified in the housing support services sector in addressing the needs of homeless youth that self-injure. Funding for the project was provided by the Victorian Department of Human Services, through the Office of Housing Youth Homeless Action Plan (YHAP).

Download: Young People Who Self-Injure ( 3.8Mb )

Source: The Department of Human Services, Victoria

2003

Australian Facts and Figures 2003

This compendium of the most recently available national information on crime in Australia is intended to serve as a ready reference. It covers different types of recorded crimes, their place of occurrence, victim details, responses of criminal justice agencies, and government resources directed to deal with crime.

Download: Australian Facts and Figures 2003 ( 278Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Health and Experiences of Violence Among Young Australian Women 2004

The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALSWH) involves over 14,000 young women, who were aged 18 to 23 when first surveyed in 1996. They were surveyed again in 2000 and around 10,000 young women aged 22 to 27 responded. ALSWH provides a unique opportunity to examine 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.

Download: Health and Experiences of Violence Among Young Australian Women 2004 ( 314Kb )

Source: Women's Health Australia

Non-reporting and Hidden Recording of Sexual Assault: An International Literature Review 2003

This 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. While the review is not exhaustive in terms of the literature available, it provides a comprehensive overview of the most important issues.

Download: Non-reporting and Hidden Recording of Sexual Assault 2003 ( 498Kb )

Source: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Not a Minute More: Ending Violence Against Women

At least one out of every three women is likely to be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime, one in five women worldwide will become a victim of rape or attempted rape, and up to 130 million women have been genitally mutilated.

Download: Not a Minute More ( 889Kb )

Source: The United Nations Development Fund For Women (UNIFEM)

Sex in Australia: Summary findings of the Australian Study of Health and Relationships (2003)

This is an unprecedented Australian study of 19,307 Australian men and women aged 16-59 addressing a numerous aspects of sexual and reproductive health. It is considered the largest and most significant study of its kind undertaken in Australia.

Download: Sex in Australia: Summary findings of the Australian Study of Health and Relationships ( 34Kb )

Source: La Trobe University - Faculty of Health Sciences

Sexual Assault Information Development Framework 2003

This information paper presents a conceptual framework for information relating to sexual assault and a framework for information development to address the priority data needs identified by users of information about sexual assault.

Download: Sexual Assault Information Development Framework 2003 ( 439Kb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

The Australian Component of the 2000 International Crime Victims Survey 2003 (ICVS)

This report discusses the technical details of the design, conduct and estimation methods of the Australian component of the 2000 International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS). The ICVS provides a standardised instrument for monitoring crime and perceptions of crime and criminal justice systems across the world, independently of information from official administrative sources. It is widely accepted that administrative data sources provide limited information on crime and the victims of crime

Download: The Australian Component of the 2000 International Crime Victims Survey 2003 (ICVS) ( 320Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

The Experiences of Child Complainants of Sexual Abuse in the Criminal Justice System. May 2003

This report examines the research findings based on data gathered through indepth interviews with 130 participants across the jurisdictions of Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA). The main focus is on the experiences of the children who were complainants of sexual abuse across the three jurisdictions.

Download: The Experiences of Child Complainants of Sexual Abuse in the Criminal Justice System.. ( 400Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Triple Disadvantage - Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Violence Against Women with Disabilities Project

The primary focus of this project was to create partnerships between disability services and services for women experiencing violence, in order to better address the needs of women with disabilities who are marginalised by the service system. Improving access to inclusive support is the ultimate goal.

Download: Triple Disadvantage - Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Violence Against Women with Disabilities Project (2003) ( 153Kb )

Source: Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria

What Lies Behind the Hidden Figure of Sexual Assault? Issues of Prevalence and Disclosure 2003

This briefing paper draws on targeted approaches to highlight some key issues when considering the prevalence of sexual violence against victim/survivors within a number of specific communities or contexts. The focus of this paper has been partially directed by other new publications that give particular attention to the issues of non-reporting and the hidden recording of sexual assault.

Download: What Lies Behind the Hidden Figure of Sexual Assault? ( 230Kb )

Source: The Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault (ACSSA)

2002

National Crime and Safety, Australia 2002

This publication presents the results of the fifth national Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) household survey of crime and safety conducted during April to July 2002. It forms part of the commitment by the ABS to present a comprehensive view of crime and the criminal justice system in Australia.

Download: National Crime and Safety, Australia 2002 ( 1.2Mb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

Non-Reporting and Hidden Recordings of Sexual Assault in Australia 2002: An International Review

Visible sex crimes, such as rapes that come to the attention of police or survey interviewers, havebeen described as the 'tip of the iceberg', as they comprise a small proportion of sexual violenceagainst women. The 'submerged' levels of the iceberg represent the silenced women and invisiblecrimes that occur within privatised contexts and are never reported to authorities. This paperprovides an overview of the non-reporting and 'hidden' recording of sexual assault. It examinesvictims' reasons for not reporting sexual incidents to the criminal justice system and considers theway that police recording practices may obscure the extent of sexual violence.

Download: Non-reporting and hidden recording of sexual assault ( 60Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Review of Victoria Police Crime Statistics, 2002

The Australian Institute of Criminology was asked to conduct a review of Victoria Police crime statistics. The review was to assess the processes by which Victoria Police crime counting rules and classifications are applied to crime allegations; the data quality and monitoring mechanisms for crime statistics and clearing data; the methods and practices in relation to the recording and inclusion of crime data onto the Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) database; the reliability and veracity of the compilation of Victoria Police statistics; and the analytical programs and tools used to generate crime data. This report details the findings of the review relating to these issues, including findings from an analysis of a sample of LEAP records from June 2001 and from a scenario based survey of police officers' decision making processes. The report also makes recommendations to improve the recording of crimes, and their further processing and conversion into published crime statistics.

Download: Review of Victoria Police Crime Statistics ( 1.5Mb )

Source: Australian Institute of Criminology

2001

Report on the Laws Relating to Sexual Assault 2001

On 28 January 1993 the ACT community law reform committee was asked to review the laws in force in the Australian Capital Territory in relation to sexual assault and to report on desirable changes to existing laws, practices and procedures.

Download: Report on the Laws Relating to Sexual Assault 2001 ( 320Kb )

Source: The Australian Capital Territory Law Reform Commission

Sexual Violence in Australia 2001

This report will summarise what we know, and what we do not know, about sexual violence in Australia. It is well documented that sexual violence is a crime overwhelmingly perpetrated by males against females but within these two groups there is room for considerable variation. Factors such as age, race, physical or mental impairment, drug and alcohol use, occupation and prior experiences of victimisation are also relevant. As a result, sexual violence disproportionately affects certain groups within the Australian community.

Download: Sexual Violence in Australia 2001 ( 247Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

Violence in indigenous communities 2001

This report summarises past research and consultations on issues relating to the prevention and reduction of violence in Indigenous communities. Promising approaches, and basic principles for effective intervention, are identified.

Download: Violence in indigenous communities 2001 ( 247Kb )

Source: Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

2000

Key-Findings from the 2000 International Crime Victims Survey

Two types of sexual incidents were measured: offensive sexual behaviour and sexual assault (i.e. incidents described as rape, attempted rape or indecent assaults). For all countries combined, just over 1% of women reported offensive sexual behaviour. The level was half that for sexual assaults. Women in Sweden, Finland, Australia and England and Wales were most at risk of sexual assault. Women in Japan, Northern Ireland, Poland and Portugal were least at risk. Many of the differences in sexual assault risks across country were small. Generally, the relative level of sexual assault in different countries accorded with relative levels of offensive sexual behaviour - though there were a few differences.

Download: Key-Findings from the 2000 International Crime Victims Survey ( 710Kb )

Source: The European Crime and Safety Survey (EU ICS)

1999

Sex Workers and Sexual Assault: The Hidden Crime 1999

This paper aims to challenge some of the commonly held beliefs about sex work and sexualassault. It will examine the way in which sex industry worker's (SIW's) experience this crimein silence, and subsequently have very little recourse to justice. It will also explore how wecan expose this hidden crime.

Download: Sex Workers and Sexual Assault ( 16Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

1998

Child Sexual Abuse and the Criminal Justice System

This trends and issues paper reports on a study which investigated procedures in this process which impact upon female child complainants of child sexual abuse. Although small, the study highlights some of the ongoing problems which need to be addressed in order that children are not further traumatised through their interaction with the criminal justice system.

Download: Child Sexual Abuse and the Criminal Justice System ( 100Kb )

Source: The Australian Institute of Criminology

1997

Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults, Australia Confidentialised Unit Record File 1997

The 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults (SMHWB) is a comprehensive survey of Australian adults' mental health. The survey was an initiative of, and funded by, the then Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services as part of the National Mental Health Strategy.
The survey provides detailed information about the prevalence of selected major mental disorders, the level of disability associated with these disorders, and health services used and help needed as a consequence of a mental health problem for Australians aged 18 years or more.

Download: Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults, Australia Confidentialised Unit Record File 1997 ( 440Kb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

1996

Women's Safety Survey 1996

This publication presents results from the national Women's Safety Survey conducted in February to April 1996. The survey provides information on women's safety at home and in the community and, in particular on the nature of violence against women in Australia.

Download: Women's Safety Survey 1996 ( 414Kb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

1995

Australian Social Trends 1995 (4102.0)

This publication explores a number of key social issues from a variety of sources.

Download: Australian Social Trends 1995 ( 9Mb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

1994

Law and Justice Issues, Indigenous Australians 1994

The Australian Bureau of Statistics' 1994 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey included a number of questions relating to law and justice. A major goal was to fill some of the gaps in information, as it is only in recent years that information on the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system, as revealed from the State and Territory Governments' administrative data sets (rather than from one-off research studies) has started to become available.

Download: Law and Justice Issues, Indigenous Australians 1994 ( 230Kb )

Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics

This is not an exhaustive list of research in the area of family violence and sexual assault, merely a starting point. As the locations of web pages often change, many of these reports have been made available through this page to assist readers. Please note that these pdfs may not contain the latest version or any recent changes so it is recommended that researchers check the author's website for updates, suplements or amendments. All published details correct as at Sept 2010.

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