Active Research

Understanding the experiences of child sexual abuse disclosure in Australia in the wake of the Royal Commission

Disclosure of child sexual abuse

Needs of victims and survivors
Response to child sexual abuse

Research Topic areas

Government & policy responses
Institutional abuse
Justice & legal responses

Project Duration

Start: July 2023

End: May 2025

Geographical Scope

Nation-wide

Populations

Victims and survivors

Young adults (18-25 years)Adults (26-65 years)Older adults (>65 years)

Gender

All genders

Project Lead

Professor Patrick O'Leary, Disrupting Violence Beacon, Griffith University

Project lead email: p.oleary@griffith.edu.au

Project Team

Professor Leah Bromfield, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia

Dr Ana Borges Jelinic, Disrupting Violence Beacon, Griffith University

Dr Eden Thain, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia

Craig Hughes-Cashmore, Survivors & Mates Support Network

Dr Katherine Reid, Griffith University

Amanda Paton, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia

Dr Gary Foster, Griffith University

Jacqueline Le Mesurier, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia

Sian Burgess, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia

Background

This research project will investigate and compare the trajectories of disclosure of two groups of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse – people over and under 30 years of age with a disclosure experience between 2013 and 2022. These groups differentiate adults that disclosed abuse during or after the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Aims

The aim of this project is to understand barriers and facilitators for disclosure and the role of the Royal Commission in this dynamic. This project is centred on survivors’ wellbeing, with a multidisciplinary and nation-wide lens.

Methods

A literature review on the current state of knowledge on disclosure will be followed by recruiting participants for individual surveys and interviews. Recruitment will be assisted by partnering with survivor networks. The project will be guided by a Project Advisory Committee, with mixed methods data analysis.

Significance and Dissemination

This research will provide a better understanding of disclosures, preparing professionals and certain target groups to more effectively manage and facilitate disclosure. Better prepared professionals avoid re-traumatisation and assist in victim and survivor healing. A full report, policy and practice brief, participant summary and presentation will be developed and delivered to a broad audience.

Further Details

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Funding body:
The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse

Funding budget:
$250,000 grant

Monitoring and governance:
This project is guided by oversight of the Project Advisory Group

Australian Human Research Ethics Committee:
This project is subject to ethical oversight by the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee

Webpage link:
https://nationalcentre.org.au/research/understanding-the-experiences-of-child-sexual-abuse-disclosure-in-australia-in-the-wake-of-the-royal-commission/

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