Effective interventions for adult victims/survivors of sexual violence in New Zealand - update

Survivors of sexual abuse interviewed
Interviews with survivors of sexual violence, both male and female, are underway as the sexual violence research project led by Ministry of Women's Affairs moves into another phase. Interviews and surveys are also being conducted with service providers, police, crown prosecutors, victim advisers and judges across New Zealand.

Interviews with survivors of sexual violence, both male and female, are underway as the sexual violence research project led by MWA moves into another phase. Interviews and surveys are also being conducted with service providers, police, crown prosecutors, victim advisers and judges across New Zealand.

One of the four project work streams – an international and national literature review on best practice and challenges for agencies that respond to survivors – has been completed in draft form.

Are you interested in taking part in the research?
Many of the people we have met through workshops and other events have indicated that they are interested in contributing to the research. Two of the four work streams will offer opportunities for participation.

1. An environmental scan of agencies and key informants that respond to victims/survivors
This work stream will involve surveys and interviews with agencies and other key informants, including community members. It will help us better understand the capacity of existing services and agencies to respond effectively to victims/survivors.

2. A study of pathways from crisis to recovery,
This work stream will focus on individuals who have experienced sexual violence as adults. It will explore help-seeking and recovery, including survivors’ experiences with a variety of support sources. Some survivors who participate in this study will meet with a researcher to talk about what is important for recovery. Others will complete a short questionnaire.

You could contribute to the research as a survivor or a key informant, or by putting us in touch with other people who would like to take part. Your stories will play a fundamental role in the success of this research and our efforts to reduce the impact of sexual violence in New Zealand.

Who to contact to find out more
If you are interested in contributing to the research, or would like to know more about what it would involve, please contact Nicole Benkert by phone (04 916 5841) or email (Benkert@mwa.govt.nz).

October 2008

Sexual Violence Research Project homepage (Ministry of Women's Affairs)