Bibliographies
Sexual Assault in Intimate Relationships
Updated January 2010
This bibliography of recent research has been compiled from the library collection of the Australian Institute of Family Studies. Where available online, a link to the document is provided. Most other items can be borrowed from the Institute's library via the interlibrary loan system. Online publications in PDF format require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
A brief counselling intervention by health professionals utilising the 'readiness to change' concept for women experiencing intimate partner abuse : the Weave project.
Hegarty, Kelsey L; O'Doherty, Lorna J; Gunn, Jane; Pierce, David; Taft, Angela J
Journal of Family Studies; Vol. 14, Issue: 2-3; Oct 2008: 376-388
This paper describes a brief counselling intervention based on the 'readiness to change' concept for women experiencing intimate partner violence, and an educational program for training primary care health professionals in the delivery of such an intervention. The paper presents a synthesis of the literature on the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour and the Psychological Readiness to Change Model as applied to intimate partner violence. It describes the intervention used in the Weave trial, which draws on the educational and partner violence literature, as well as integrating key theoretical insights from the field of behaviour change. Practical steps for training health professionals are outlined from the authors' experience and research.
CASA House Sexual Assault Prevention Program for Secondary Schools (SAPPSS) : report
Imbesi, Renee
Melbourne, Vic. : CASA House, 2008
This report details the development and evaluation of the 'Sexual Assault Prevention Program for Secondary Schools' (SAPPSS). As part of their work in preventing gender-based violence and community education, CASA House has developed their ad hoc secondary school workshops into a pre-set, multi-session educational program. This report discusses the rationale and evaluations of various CASA House programs for young people from 1999-2007, before describing the development of and response to the SAPPSS program in Victorian schools. The report also sets out good practice guidelines for school-based violence prevention, providing a starting point for schools to implement prevention programs in relation to sexual violence.
Dating bill of rights (PDF 136KB)
Isnard, Adrienne
In: Improving community safety: lessons from the country and the city: AIC Conference, Townsville, 18-19 October 2007. Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2007, 3p
Approximately 22 per cent of young women between the ages of 18 and 30 experience dating violence and sexual abuse, and media reports over the last four years have also documented an alarming rise in teen dating violence around Australia. Through the Personal and Social Safety Working Group of Townsville Thuringowa Safe Communities, a strategy to empower young people to make their own decisions in respect to their safety, needs and wishes was developed for 2007. The strategy provided information and advice about healthy relationships to young adults embarking on a university degree. This advice included the Dating Bill Of Rights stikki note pad, which includes information about dating rights and responsibilities. The pad was distributed to first year students at James Cook University at a Personal
Safety Stall during Orientation Week 2007.
Intimate partner abuse of women in a Central Queensland mining region
Nancarrow, Heather; Lockie, Stewart; Sharma, Sanjay
Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2009, 6p. Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice no. 378
Perceptions about the mining industry and the rapid growth of mining communities in Australia has led to concerns that these communities are prone to higher rates of intimate partner violence than the general community. This paper provides a summary of research that examined the nature and prevalence of intimate partner abuse of women in Central Queensland's Bowen Basin region. Using data collected in June and July 2007 via telephone interviews, the survey asked about socio-demographic, relational, behavioural and health characteristics of participants. Of the 532 women surveyed, 11.5 percent had experienced physical abuse and 31.4 percent had experienced non-physical forms of abuse. A number of characteristics were found to be significantly associated with abuse. For example, depression was significantly associated with sexual assault and both depression and severe psychological symptoms were significantly correlated with all other forms of abuse. However, contrary to concerns expressed by human service providers, the study suggests that women in mining cultures do not experience greater levels of abuse than do women in the general community.
Is it rape? : on acquaintance rape and taking women's consent seriously
McGregor, Joan
Aldershot, Hants, England : Ashgate, 2005
This book considers how the law treats nonconsensual sex, in cases between acquaintances and without extreme physical violence. The book discusses the nature of consent, coercion, and autonomy, with reference to attitudes of the law and other academics.
Just 'keeping the peace': A reluctance to respond to male partner sexual violence
Heenan, Melanie
Melbourne, Vic: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2004, 39p (ACSSA issues no.1)
Two decades ago in most Australian states and territories, rape in marriage was not a crime. Legislation now addresses this issue, and this paper explores whether the social and legal responses to sexual violence perpetrated by men against their female partners has changed. Five key areas are discussed: the historical development of the law and legal treatment relating to male partner rape; the current status of research into intimate partner sexual violence and gaps that exist; difficulties faced by women in recognising and disclosing their experience of male partner rape; the impact of male partner sexual violence on women's physical and emotional health; and the reluctance of support services to respond specifically to male partner rape. The author emphasises the need for future research into violence against women to distinguish the experience of women who are sexually offended against by their partners. Male partner rape being fully recognised as a crime and appropriate support for women experiencing that crime is also essential.
Just sex? The cultural scaffolding of rape
Gavey, Nicola
Hove, East Sussex: Routledge, 2005, 268p
Drawing on feminist theory, cultural analysis, and in-depth interviews with women about their experiences, this book examines social and feminist research on rape and coercive sex and the phenomenon of date rape. Sexual intercourse and heterosexual relations need to be understood in the context of broader cultural constructs. 'Just sex' argues that while there is indeed a blurred line between rape on the one hand and just sex on the other, this does not mean coercive sex should be tolerated as simply part of the natural dynamics of sexual relations.
Lovestruck: Women, romantic love and intimate partner violence
Power, Charmaine; Koch, Tina; Kralik, Debbie; Jackson, Debra
Contemporary Nurse v.21 no.2 May 2006: 174-185
Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a significant problem globally despite health promotion aimed at raising awareness. In particular, there is a current trend for many young women to view some abusive/ violent behaviours as acceptable in their relationships. IPV has serious implications for its short and long term impacts on the health of women and children. Health workers may find working with women a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience. A way forward is to develop clearer understandings of the complex ties of IPV and to better understand women's investment in romantic relationships. In this paper a secondary analysis of data from a narrative study of women's recovery from IPV relationships is presented in order to illustrate discourses that inform underpinnings of romantic relationships. Women revealed that cues for IPV were present early in the relationship but were not recognised at the time. Understanding the complex nature of the ways that women's desires are located in the discourse of romantic love has implications for all nurses working to prevent and reduce the incidence of IPV.
Opinion: revisiting America's date rape controversy (PDF 91K)
Neame, Alexandra
Family Matters no.68 Winter 2004: 50-54
This article outlines the Australian policy context that indicates the emergence of relationship violence as a topical issue, and the reasons why we might expect a hostile reaction whenever violence in relationships (particularly sexual violence) makes its way onto the public agenda. It then revisits America's 'date rape' debate of the late 1980s and early 1990s, and critically evaluates the aggressive response that emerged in that country against research indicating higher rates of rape in dating relationships than the media and general public were willing or able to accept.
Preventing adolescent dating violence
The Prevention Researcher, vol. 16, no. 1 Feb. 2009
This issue of the journal includes the following articles: Violence in adolescent dating relationships / by Ernest N. Jouriles, Cora Platt, Renee McDonald -- Peer group influences on adolescent dating aggression / by Jennifer Connolly, Laura Friedlander -- Help-seeking and help-giving for teen dating violence / by Arlene N. Weisz, Beverly M. Black -- Teen perceptions of dating violence, help-seeking, and the role of schools / by Colleen Gallopin, Laila Leigh.
Raped by a partner: a research report
Parkinson, Debra
Wangaratte, Vic. Women’s Health Goulburn North East, 2008, 171p
The data on which this report is based was collected chielfy through a series of interviews with 21 women victims who had been raped by their intimate partner. The report provides first-hand accounts from these women, who come from widely differing backgrounds and a range of socioeconomic situations. The perpetrators were equally as diverse. The report emphasises that any woman is vulnerable to being raped. It examines the processes which occur after a woman has been raped, including the personal issues and effects as well as ways of seeking help. It outlines the responses from health professionals, the religious sector and the police. The report includes a literature review that covers Australian and international research and wide ranging aspects of rape.
Ready, willing & able: a young person's guide : consent and sexual activity
1 DVD-video (9 min., 20 sec.), 2006
This DVD for young people contains information about, and dramatic illustrations of, consent to sexual activity. It gives definitions of consent, sexual assault and sexual abuse, and discusses drink spiking, internet safety, alcohol and other drugs, date rape and the effects of sexual assault. The accompanying training notes include suggestions for group discussion.
Real rape, real pain: help for women sexually assaulted by male partners
Easteal, Patricia; McOrmond-Plummer, Louise
Ormond, Vic: Hybrid Publishers, 2006, 345p
This book arose out of the authors' similar histories, determination and motivation to have the truth told about partner rape. Their reason is that they do not want other women to experience the same sense of shame, isolation and silence that they, as survivors of partner rape, have experienced. They book covers identifying sexual assaults and confronting society's denial, as well as stereotypes of women raped by their partners. It also discusses the changing values and attitudes in society and the positive role that men can play. The book concludes with a list of suggested reading and online resources.
Real rape: help for women sexually assaulted by male partners
McOrmond-Plummer, Louise
DVIRC Quarterly (Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre) no.4 Summer 2006: 11-15
Women who are raped by their partners are often not recognised as victims of a crime. This article describes the author's experiences of sexual assault by a partner, and the impact of common myths that this is not 'real' rape. The article summarises the research on the prevalence of partner rape, outlines some of the problems with current service responses, and describes a book the author wrote for women raped by partners.
School-based violence prevention programmes: a literature review (PDF 1.09MB)
Hassall, Ian; Hanna, Kirsten
Auckland, NZ: Institute of Public Policy, 2007, 135p
An outcome of a project to establish best practice criteria for the evaluation of school based violence prevention programs, this literature review considers international and New Zealand research identifying programs that: model and teach healthy relationships within the classroom and playground; focus on the school culture as a whole and aim to make it peaceful; lead or contribute to community wide programs aimed at reducing violence; identify and help to change students with antisocial behaviour; prevent children from inflicting or suffering bullying, dating violence, family maltreatment, child sexual abuse and sexual violation or rape; and equip students to avoid inflicting or suffering intimate partner violence and maltreating children when they become adults.
Service profile: Immigrant women's support service (Queensland)
Allimant, Annabelle
Aware: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault Newsletter no.5 Jan 2005: 20-24
In this interview, the Coordinator of the Immigrant Women's Support Service in Queensland talks about the following: the service's philosophy and organisation; the importance of having a separate service for women from non English speaking backgrounds; issues that are specific to this group of women; what the service offers to female survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; how the service addresses the issue of male partner rape; issues that the service is working on; and lessons learned.
Sex and ethics : young people and ethical sex
Carmody, Moira,
South Yarra, Vic.: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009, 166p
Though sex education is widespread in Australian schools, many young people feel ill-prepared in their sexual relationships. In response, this book proposes a focus on teaching sexual ethics - to provide the skills in developing healthy sexuality and preventing sexual assault. Part 1 of this book draws upon a survey of 16-25 year olds from urban and rural Australia, about their sexual experiences, negotiating sexual intimacy, sex education in schools, and what they would like to see taught in sex education courses. Part 2 introduces the sexual ethics approach to sex education, and presents findings from a trail-version of a sexual ethics education group, which includes the topics of consent and the responsibility of friends.
Sexual assault by male partners: is the licence still valid?
Easteal, Patricia; Feerick, Christine
Flinders Journal of Law Reform v.8 no.2 Sept 2005: 185-207
This study collected information about partner rape from a number of sources in the Australian Capital Territory. The article discusses low disclosure and reporting rates, discontinuing cases, going to trial, consent, evidence of prior violence and consent, and complainant credibility.
Sexual assault in marriage
Dawson, Kristin
Speaking Out; Issue: 16; Summer 2007: 15-16
Healthy relationships depend on mutuality, cooperation and a respect for the boundaries of the other person in the relationship. In abusive relationships, there is no respect for those boundaries and dominance defines the relationship. This paper outlines different types of domestic violence and their effects on women and their children, focusing particularly on sexual assault and rape in marriage.
Unlawful drink spiking: Criminal Code (Drink Spiking) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2006 (Qld)
de Jersey, Ali
Brisbane, Qld. : Queensland Parliamentary Library, 2006
‘Drink spiking’ has become an emergent phenomenon worldwide. It is generally believed that it takes place to sedate or incapacitate a victim or, somewhat more innocently, as a prank. Young women are common targets of drink spiking, and many know their attacker.1 It is an insidious problem which is proving difficult to police and to prosecute. It is estimated that approximately one third of these incidents involved sexual assault.
Victim credibility in acquaintance rape cases: the influence of complainant intoxication and expectations about alcohol-involved sexual behaviour
O'Brien, Kate; Goodman-Delahunty, Jane
Australian Psychological Society Conference (42nd: 2007: Brisbane, Qld)
In: Moore, K. ed. Psychology making an impact: proceedings of the Australian Psychological Society 42nd Annual Conference, 25-29 September 2007, Brisbane, Qld Melbourne, Vic: Australian Psychological Society, 2007, p302-306 (PDF on CD-ROM, whole volume 4.4MB)
Victim credibility is the most influential factor in police and prosecutorial decisions to litigate a sexual assault claim. Perceived credibility is influenced by situational factors and social perceptions about what constitutes 'real rape'. Victim intoxication influences perceptions of sexual assault through general expectations about one's own behaviour and that of others. This study investigated the influence of complainant intoxication (sober v moderately intoxicated) on attributions of blame, responsibility, credibility, likelihood of charging and conviction in an acquaintance rape case. Participants were 197 university students and community volunteers who read controverted 'he said she said' police statements about an alleged sexual assault. The complainant was perceived as more credible and less responsible and blameworthy than the defendant. However, complainant intoxication did not directly influence perceptions of complainant or defendant credibility, responsibility or blame.
Violence in dating relationships: Overview paper (PDF 139 KB)
Kelly, Katharine D.
Ottawa, Ont. : National Clearinghouse on Family
Violence, 2006
This paper highlights recent evidence-based research related to dating violence. The paper outlines the extent of dating violence, what contributes to dating violence, young people and dating violence, the health impacts of dating violence, and prevention and early intervention. A checklist of attitudes and behaviours that research has associated with dating violence is also provided. The paper concludes with a list of references, resources and contact information for individuals requiring more information.
Why partner rape is so invisible: And why women don't report
Parkinson, Debra
DVRC Quarterly; Issue: 2; Winter 2009: 9-13
'Raped by a partner: a research report' is the result of a collaboration between Women's Health Goulburn North East and Upper Murray Centre Against Sexual Assualt. It is based on information offered by women in the Goulburn Valley and north east Victoria. The author of the report has written this article about the research findings. She concludes that society is complicit in partner rape being recognised and unnamed. Many different groups in society played a role in silencing women such as police officers and doctors.