Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence

The Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project will evaluate community-led primary and secondary prevention of sexual violence interventions.

This project aims to deliver high-quality evaluations of interventions designed to address the drivers and reinforcing factors of sexual violence and determine what elements are most effective at preventing sexual violence.

The Department of Social Services is funding the three-year project.

Research Team: Professor Leesa Hooker, Dr Jessica Ison, Felicity Young, A/Professor Kirsty Forsdike; in collaboration with Dr Jacqui Theobald, Dr Gabe Caluzzi (CAPR), Professor Adam Bourne (ARCSHS) and Professor Nicola Henry (RMIT).

Our previous research

The Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project builds on research led by Professor Leesa Hooker and her team in 2020-2021, the Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence and Harassment against Women Project (ASaPP).

The project, upon its conclusion:

identified high-quality, evaluated, and effective primary prevention strategies that address key drivers and risk factors (at all levels) for sexual violence and harassment.
explored and prioritised high-risk cohorts/target audiences for policy intervention, assessing barriers and enablers to engaging with primary prevention work. Synthesised data to identify the extent of sexual violence and harassment, levels of awareness, and attitudes and behaviours.
had consulted widely with specialist organisations and experts on sexual violence and harassment to ensure findings and recommendations are meaningful to sexual violence service users and providers.
developed a Theory of Change framework with stakeholders.

Research Team: Professor Leesa Hooker, Dr Jessica Ison, Felicity Young, A/Professor Kirsty Forsdike, Emeritus Professor Angela Taft; in collaboration with A/Professor Christopher Fisher (ARCSHS) and Professor Nicola Henry (RMIT).

Reports released in 2021: