A snapshot of how local context affects sexual assault service provision in regional, rural and remote Australia
A snapshot of how local context affects sexual assault service provision in regional, rural and remote Australia Journal Article
ACSSAwrap
- Author(s): Liz Wall, Mary Stathopoulos
- Published: 2012
- Volume: 13
Abstract: Regional, rural and remote sexual assault services in Australia face unique challenges in meeting the needs of the diverse populations they seek to support. These issues range from geographical barriers, to meeting specific cultural needs in an appropriate manner. The local context of rural, regional and remote areas in Australia has led to some innovative practices by service providers. ACSSA spoke with six sexual assault services in regional, rural and remote areas to explore local contexts and the ways in which managers and workers solved issues through flexible and innovative approaches. Key messages: - Issues arising in the provision of sexual assault service delivery in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia are often context specific—relating to the economic features and population diversity of a community, geographic distances and staffing needs. - Services in regional, rural and remote areas develop responses that suggests they are an untapped resource of ideas and innovative thinking. - Local context drives flexibility in sexual assault service delivery yet innovative responses can be translated and adapted for use in other communities.
Notes: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, Australian Institute of Family Studies