Research Project: Investigating Experiences of Sexual Violence among current and ex Catholic Women Religious

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Research from around the world indicates that Catholic women religious (also known as nuns, consecrated women and religious sisters) have been subject to sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and/or sex-based harassment.

The purpose of the research is to better understand the experiences of women who have affected by sexual violence when they were a woman religious in Australia and to advise on future safeguarding procedures.

This project is run by Dr Kathleen McPhillips and Dr Tracy McEwan.

Dr Kathleen McPhillips and Dr Tracy McEwan

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence refers to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and/or sex-based harassment (World Health Organization).

Who can participate in the research?

This research study is recruiting women who are aged over 18 years and who meet the following criteria:

  1. Have been or are currently a Catholic woman religious in Australia
  2. Have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, and/or sex-based harassment during their time as a woman religious or within 12 months of leaving the congregation
  3. Are fluent in English, and able to freely understand this document and give consent to participate in the study.
  4. Have no active civil or criminal or church-based litigation case in progress.

Additionally, the research study is not suitable for those who:

  1. Are women religious of other faith traditions
  2. Whose mental health is precarious and who feel that participating in this study may not be in their best interests or may negatively impact their mental health.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete the following research activities:

  • A 15–20-minute pre-interview providing information about the interview process and questions, consent process, availability of support services, and establishing suitability for participation. This will take the form of a phone or zoom conversation.
  • A one-on-one interview with one of the researchers, lasting approximately 60 minutes. The interview will take place at safe, private and mutually convenient location of your choosing or in the form of a phone or zoom conversation.
  • In the week following your interview a short 5 to 10-minute post-interview follow-up phone call or zoom session to make sure that you are feeling okay and if necessary to support you in connecting with any services that you may need.

The interviews will be conducted by either Dr Kathleen McPhillips or Dr Tracy McEwan and will take place either in person in a private and mutually convenient place of your choice or online using a secure Zoom link provided by the University of Newcastle or another secure internet technology which is convenient for you. The researchers will ensure that any interview venues are fully private and safe, where the interview cannot be overheard.

Support services

You can also contact these services should you need support regarding any of the issues raised in the research activities.

1800 Respect

Lifeline

  • 24/7 national counselling telephone service
  • Phone 131144

Beyond Blue

  • 24/7 National Telephone counselling service
  • Phone 1300 224 636

More information

If you would like more information about this research project and your potential involvement, please contact Dr Kathleen McPhillips or Dr Tracy McEwan from the University of Newcastle’s School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science.

This project has been funded by the Australia–Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme and the Australian Research Theology Foundation.

This research project has been approved by the University of Newcastle Research Ethics Committee, Reference No: H-2024-0211

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