Foundational Understanding of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (Online)

IPSV is a significant indicator of escalating frequency and severity of DV. Studies of IPSV show higher incidences of threats to kill an intimate partner than in other abusive relationships. IPSV also puts someone at a much higher risk of being killed, particularly if they are also being physically assaulted.

Providing freely given consent for sexual activity within the context of the perpetration of DV, is, arguably, not possible. This is because the perpetration of DV creates a climate of ongoing fear or control. Research suggests that people experiencing DV cannot safely negotiate contraception or sex and may submit to sex to prevent the escalation of physical violence.

DFV and sexual assault services and responses are often separate and underpinned by different funding models, mandates, goals and practice frameworks. As IPSV victims or survivors present with intersecting issues and diverse needs, both types of services report IPSV as a particularly challenging issue which increases the complexity of providing appropriate service responses.

Studies have shown a lack of attention to IPSV in both DFV and sexual assault services, with some workers in DFV and sexual assault services feeling that IPSV is more compatible with the work of those in the other field. Consequently, women experiencing IPSV are often not accessing the most appropriate support to enhance their safety, wellbeing and recovery.

This workshop will familiarise practitioners with the nature and dynamics of sexual violence within relationships. Participants will learn of the institutional, social and economic structures, and social and cultural norms that are the conditions of IPSV. Participants will also be introduced to potential approaches to improve help-seeking for women experiencing IPSV and be provided with a variety of practice strategies to help professionals support their clients.

Details:

Online event. A link will be emailed to all participants upon registration.

Date: Friday, 27th May 2022

Time: 9:30 – 11:30am

Cost $10

Learning Objectives:

o Define the nature and dynamics of sexual violence within relationships

o Identify common issues and impacts for women experiencing intimate partner sexual violence to inform support and referral to appropriate services

o Explore potential approaches to improve help seeking for women experiencing intimate partner sexual violence

o Apply a variety of practice strategies to support clients experiencing intimate partner sexual violence

Will we cover:

o Myths and dynamics of sexual violence within relationships

o Guidance on “how to ask” sensitively and building trust

o Specific effects and health consequences of IPSV

o How best to manage victims’/survivors’ safety

o Consider IPSV specifically in all risk assessment and safety management processes and practices as part of DFV risk assessment, and ask separately about IPSV (as distinct from physical abuse); while maintaining sensitivity to diverse communities

o Challenges with reporting to police and the justice system

o Supports for victim-survivors experiencing IPSV

Who should attend?

This workshop is suitable for practitioners working in the domestic, family or sexual violence sectors.

About the facilitators

This training will be delivered by Daphne White and Micaela Rafal from the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing (CWSW), Perth.

Daphne White

Daphne White is the Practice Development Specialist at the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing (CWSW). She is a qualified professional with over 12 years of experience as a leader and practitioner in the family, domestic and sexual violence sector. She provides professional learning and consultancy across a wide range of areas and topics, however her primary work is around high risk and harm in domestic, family and sexual violence.

Micaela Rafel

Micaela Rafel is the Sexual Violence Project Officer at the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing. She has a background in community engagement and education within the sexual violence sector and is currently working in advocacy within her role at CWSW.