About ACSSA
As part of the National Initiative to Combat Sexual Assault in Australia, the Australian Government's Office for Women contracted the Australian Institute of Family Studies to develop and operate the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault.
Role of the Centre
The Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault (ACSSA) has been developed to improve access to current information on sexual assault in order to assist policymakers and others interested in this area to develop evidence-based strategies that respond to, and ultimately reduce, the incidence of sexual assault.
The emphasis of the Centre is on all forms of sexual assault; particularly the sexual assault of women and girls over fifteen years of age (the most commonly reported victims); and adult survivors of child sexual assault.
Objectives of the Centre
- To facilitate access, particularly electronic access, to national policy relevant data to inform strategies to more effectively respond to sexual assault.
- To establish a comprehensive evidence base, and provide information on research and best practice approaches for interventions in response to sexual assault.
- To stimulate debate amongst policymakers, academics and service providers about the most effective strategies to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and to improve responses.
- To raise awareness of sexual assault and its impact on the Australian community.
Staff at the Centre
Dr
Zoë Morrison - ACSSA Coordinator
Antonia
Quadara - Senior Research Officer
Cameron Boyd -
Research Officer
Haley Clark - Project Officer
Helen Arch - Web Officer
Carole Jean - Reference librarian
Reference Group
An external reference group has been established to inform the work of the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault (ACSSA). The primary role of the Reference Group is to assist in the identification of research priorities and provide expert advice to the Centre. It will also assist in identifying the information needs of key stakeholders; assist in developing strategies to reach key stakeholders; and provide other advice or perspectives as required. The group will meet face-to-face twice a year, with additional meetings conducted via teleconference as needed.
For further information about ACSSA see "Introducing the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault" by Adam Tomison in Aware: ACSSA Newsletter No.1.