NCJ Number
202018
Date Published
2003
Length
160 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a conceptual framework for information development to address the priority data needs identified by users of information about sexual assault.
Abstract
The primary role of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is to provide information to support decisions made by governments, community groups, and private organizations. For many fields of statistics, ABS along with other agencies and organizations is developing information development frameworks and plans. Conceptual frameworks map the conceptual terrain surrounding an area of treatment. This paper addresses the main concepts, sources, and priorities in the field of sexual assault statistics. The information development framework aims to identify and document data needs in relation to sexual assault. There are two main types of sources used to obtain information about sexual assault: (1) administrative by-product data and (2) surveys. The framework provides data to support the analysis of the current status of sexual assault, data to support measurement of the activity and performance of the various systems responding to sexual assault, and data to support the measurement of changes over time in sexual assault. The key processes or flows that exist between the elements are discussed with the elements consisting of context, risk, incident, responses, impacts/outcomes, and education and prevention programs. Four key conclusions are presented and considered to be of highest priority in meeting the objectives of the information development framework: (1) adoption and use of conceptual framework for sexual assault; (2) a forum to facilitate further coordination and collaboration between ABS and other stakeholders; (3) ABS Personal Safety Survey, including separate indigenous enumeration strategy and collection of additional data about perpetrators from victim/survivors; and (4) thematic publication on sexual assault. Appendices 1-5 and references