Sexual violence and secondary prevention : an exploration of opportunities and barriers to implementing a secondary prevention approach to harmful sexual behaviour in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

Sexual violence is a highly prevalent issue that has wide-ranging social and economic impacts. Research suggests that approximately one in three women and one in seven men experience sexual victimisation during their lifetime. Victimisation is related to various lifelong impacts on physical and mental health. Research has shown that children and youth are responsible for a significant proportion of harmful sexual behaviour, including approximately 50% of all offences against children. With an increasing focus on the public health approach to the prevention of sexual violence, it is timely to explore the opportunities that secondary prevention presents. This thesis interviewed eight clinicians about their views on implementing secondary targeted prevention approaches in New Zealand. Thematic analysis identified two main themes in their responses, comprehensiveness and early intervention. These are discussed in relation to what clinicians thought was needed in New Zealand, and what barriers and opportunities existed to the realisation of this approach. This thesis provides an overview of the key issues that need to be considered by policy makers in the development of new prevention strategies and initiatives in the area of sexual violence. It highlights the various socio-cultural factors that will need to be adequately addressed by any approach that hopes to meet the diverse, and often conflicting, needs of individuals, families, and communities.