About ACSSA
As part of the National Initiative to Combat Sexual Assault in Australia, the Australian Government's Office for Women contracted the Australian Institute of Family Studies to develop and operate the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault.
Role of the Centre
The Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault (ACSSA) has been developed to improve access to current information on sexual assault in order to assist policymakers and others interested in this area to develop evidence-based strategies that respond to, and ultimately reduce, the incidence of sexual assault.
The emphasis of the Centre is on all forms of sexual assault; particularly the sexual assault of women and girls over fifteen years of age (the most commonly reported victims); and adult survivors of child sexual assault.
Objectives of the Centre
- To facilitate access, particularly electronic access, to national policy relevant data to inform strategies to more effectively respond to sexual assault.
- To establish a comprehensive evidence base, and provide information on research and best practice approaches for interventions in response to sexual assault.
- To stimulate debate amongst policymakers, academics and service providers about the most effective strategies to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and to improve responses.
- To raise awareness of sexual assault and its impact on the Australian community.
Services
Publications
Publications of the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Asssault are disseminated to a network of clients through regular paper and electronic publications. Join the mailing list to receive Aware: ACSSA Newsletter, published quarterly, ACSSA Wrap, published twice a year and ACSSA Issues, also published twice per year.
The Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Asssault is seeking contributions to its Newsletter. If you are interested in writing a short review of books, conferences, workshops or projects, or an article on significant issues in sexual assault, the Clearinghouse would be pleased to hear from you.
Library services
Information Helpdesk
Staff at the Australian Institute of Family Studies library are available to assist with queries. Information Helpdesk staff can be contacted by phone +61 3 9214 7888, by fax +61 3 9214 7839 or by contacting the Library.
Library collection
The Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Asssault - through the Australian Institute of Family Studies Library - collates the latest research, literature and other information resources relevant to adult sexual assault. Anyone can search the Australian Institute of Family Studies Library catalogue.
Electronic resources in the catalogue are available directly via their web address. Print resources are available via the inter-library loan system. Contact your oranisation's library or your local library for details of this system.
Electronic mailing list: ACSSA Alert
Join the electronic mailing list, ACSSA Alert, which is published monthly, and receive notification of publications and information on the latest research, practice news and resources, as well as forthcoming conferences and events.
Research Helpdesk
The Research Helpdesk is available for professionals and research staff working in the sexual assault field.
If you wish to request specialist information or advice from the ACSSA research team, please see the ACSSA Research Helpdesk Service page for more information.
Reference Group
An external reference group has been established to inform the work of the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault (ACSSA).
The primary role of the Reference Group is to assist in the identification of research priorities and provide expert advice to the Centre. It will also assist in identifying the information needs of key stakeholders; assist in developing strategies to reach key stakeholders; and provide other advice or perspectives as required.
The group will meet face-to-face twice a year, with additional meetings conducted via teleconference as needed.
Staff at the Centre
Dr Antonia Quadara - ACSSA Coordinator
Haley Clark - Senior Research Officer
Bianca Fileborn - Research Officer
Dr Rachel King - Research Officer
Susan Fooks - Web Officer
Carole Jean - Reference Librarian
For further information about ACSSA see "Introducing the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault" by Adam Tomison in Aware: ACSSA Newsletter No.1.