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

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

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

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.

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.

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.