LA TROBE University (LTU), in partnership with the Centre Against Sexual Violence Central Victoria (CASA-CV), has released the findings of an important study highlighting the struggles of rural and regional victim survivors in the pursuit of justice.
This research, conducted in a collaboration between the two organisations, has highlighted the unique experiences and obstacles that survivors in regional and rural areas have faced.
Recent LTU PhD student, Dr Emily Corbett conducted the comprehensive industry-based study to examine the sexual revictimisation of rural and regional women, and her findings may inform future research, practice and policy recommendations.
Dr Corbett said that while research had shown that women subjected to child sex abuse have had a higher risk of suffering sexual abuse in adulthood, little research had been done on this topic in non-urban areas.
“We know from existing research that experiences of violence in childhood and adulthood are frequent among non-urban women, and that women who have experienced family or sexual violence when they were young, often experienced violence again in adulthood,” she said.
“Our study sought to better understand why this revictimisation occurs.
“We found that many regional and rural women face significant structural disadvantage including low levels of employment and income, limited-service sector resources, unsafe family environments, and exposure to community violence.
“Violence can be perpetuated due to social isolation, lack of transport options, and limited awareness and education about sexual or family violence.
“The close-knit nature of small communities can create barriers to women seeking help.”
This research has been the culmination of a three-and-a-half-year study conducted by Dr Corbett whose research was funded via scholarship through the LTU Research Industry Partnership and CASA-CV.
CASA-CV chief executive officer, Kate Wright said, “We are pleased to share the results of this significant study, which not only contributes to the evidence base but also has real-world implications for preventing and supporting survivors of sexual violence in regional and rural Victoria”.
“This research would not have been possible without the crucial contribution from the women who participated in the research.
“We thank them for sharing their knowledge and experiences.”
