Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Working with Survivors of Sexual Assault: Attitudes and Beliefs of Rural Health and Welfare Workers
Other Titles:	Women Against Violence: An Australian Feminist Journal
Authors:	Green, Rosemary Radcliffe, Margaret McLaren, Suzanne
Year:	2004
Citation:	No 15
Notes:	The central purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and beliefs about sexual assault of health and welfare professionals in a rural area. These front line staff are often the professionals to whom a woman discloses her story, yet many generalist health and welfare workers feel ill equipped to deal with such disclosures. This study sought to understand the frameworks and beliefs held by generalist health and welfare workers about sexual assault. The findings of this study indicate that attitudes and beliefs of many participants included theoretical frameworks that ignore the role of power and gender, and are based on myths and assumptions about the behaviour and/or psychology of victim/survivors and perpetrators. Such beliefs have an impact on outcomes for survivors, and the quality of service offered to them, and indicates a need for comprehensive further training for health and welfare workers about sexual assault. Participants also lacked confidence in their ability to work effectively with survivors, although they clearly understood the long-term effects of experiencing sexual assault.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/17531
Physical description:	Pages 22
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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