RF.20.02
Speaking truth to power:
The role of victims and survivors in driving policy change on gender-based violence
July 2022
With the rise in profile and influence of victims of crime, governments worldwide are working with victims and survivors in the development of public policy and support services.
Adopting a multidisciplinary approach including public policy and criminological theories, this research analyses the role of victims and survivors of gender-based violence in policy development and assesses the pros and cons of various mechanisms being used to engage them.
This thesis by publication:
- examined the role Rosie Batty played in bringing about significant policy reform in Victoria
- explored the limitations and risks involved in engaging victims and survivors in the development of public policy
- defined the optimal role for victims and survivors in developing policy and the supports needed to ensure marginalised voices are heard.
The findings are presented in three journal articles.
Significance
This research establishes a knowledge base regarding the role of victim and survivor advocates in developing public policy and best practice mechanisms for engagement. Findings provide insights for practitioners regarding the effective engagement of victims and survivors in the development of gender-based violence policy, particularly ensuring often-marginalised voices are heard.
Read: The Batty Effect: Victim-Survivors and Domestic and Family Violence Policy Change
Researchers
Project lead
Dr Lisa Wheildon Criminology, School of Social Sciences Monash University
Supervisors
Associate Professor Asher Flynn
Professor Jacqui True
Presentations
webinar
Webinar: Towards meaningful engagement: Embedding the lived expertise of victims and survivors in the co-production of research, policy and practice
Victims and survivors of gender-based violence are increasingly being engaged in the co-production of research, policy and practice. The aim of engaging victims and survivors is to ensure that the work of the domestic and family violence (DFV) sector benefits from their insights and meets their needs. However, there can often be a gap between the promise of co-production and what is delivered in practice.
This webinar is invaluable to anyone in the DFV sector wanting to embed lived expertise in the co-production of research, policy and practice. It unpacks research which explores the role of victims and survivors in developing policy and best practice mechanisms for engagement. Panellists discuss co-production and co-design in research, policy and practice, including how barriers can be overcome and opportunities for best practice.
Australian & New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC) Online Conference
Budget
$40,157
This project is funded by ANROWS Research Fund to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (Philanthropic – Luke Batty Legacy).