Citation

Martin JL, O'Shea ML, Romans SE, Anderson JC, Mullen PE. N. Zeal. Med. J. 1993; 106(953): 115-117.

Affiliation

Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8474726

Abstract

AIM. To investigate the attitudes of abused and nonabused women to reducing physical and sexual violence in the community. METHOD. A random community sample of 3000 women was surveyed by postal questionnaire as part of the Otago Women's Health Survey. Seventy three percent (n = 1663) of those under 65 replied. As well as demographic, mental health and abuse information, responses to the question "what steps would you like to see taken to reduce the incidence of sexual and physical harm to women and children?" were analysed. RESULTS. Education was the most favoured approach to reducing violence in the community, followed by increased punishment of the offender. Women who had experienced sexual abuse, particularly as children, were more likely to advocate measures other than punishment. Rural women, those without formal qualifications and those who were not abused were more likely to advocate increased punishment, or made no comment. CONCLUSION. The finding that victims of sexual assault were likely to report a preference for prevention over punishment highlights the importance of representing the views of the community which appear to be at variance with more extreme views publicized in the media.A random community survey on the prevalence and correlation of sexual abuse in childhood and adulthood was conducted to canvass the attitudes of abused and nonabused women in reducing physical and sexual violence. A postal questionnaire was given to 3000 women under age 65 seeking basic demographic, health, and abuse information. 73% of those under 65 years responded. Results showed that over one-third of these 73% reported some form of sexual abuse; 204 reported childhood sexual abuse; 208 reported sexual assault after age 16; and 191 had both child and sexual abuse experiences. It also showed that in reducing violence in the community, education was the most favored approach, followed by increased punishment of the offender. Women who experienced sexual abuse during their childhood were more likely to advocate measures other than punishment, while those rural women without formal qualifications and were not abused were more likely to advocate increased punishment or made no comment. In conclusion, victims of sexual assault prefer prevention rather than punishment.

Language: en