Commissioned research
Understanding the experiences of child sexual abuse disclosure in Australia in the wake of the Royal Commission
- Disclosure
- Justice
- Victims & survivors
Project Length
24 months
24 months
Project Budget
(funded by National Centre)
$250,000
(funded by National Centre)
$250,000
Funding Stream
Research
Research
Project Lead
Professor Patrick O’Leary, Disrupting Violence Beacon, Griffith University
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 and Aim
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. 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
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.
