The intersections of family violence and sexual offending

Background

Family violence and sexual offending are critical global problems, with varying definitions and frameworks. "The intersections of family violence and sexual offending" project aims to explore the impacts of conceptualising and responding to family violence and sexual offending as separate versus coinciding constructs. Sexual offending occurs within and outside of intimate partner relationships, so what are the advantages and problems of using "family violence" as an overarching framework to encompass sexual offending? What are the concerns when we only look at these interpersonal harms and victim–offender dynamics through a "family violence" or "sexual violence" lens? Are there missed opportunities to ensure the safety of child and adult victims and survivors?

Aim

This project aims to tie together international literature, case studies and expert knowledge to engage critical consideration and inform future policy, practice and research. Its ultimate objective is to strengthen approaches to family violence and sexual offending.

Methods

This projects conducts literature reviews and online semi-structured interviews with stakeholders who have professional knowledge and experience in the field of family violence and/or sexual offending (e.g. practitioners, researchers).

Significance

We aim to disseminate our findings as a book for practitioners, policymakers, academics and students. This will be one of the first resources that provides an in-depth discussion of the juncture between family violence and sexual offending, with a focus on the challenges of addressing these concepts together versus separately. We expect this project will help to inform future policy and practice, largely in the domains of social policy and criminal justice.

Project start date

October 2020

Expected completion date

October 2021