Research and evaluation of sexual violence and services

This page provides an overview of a range of research and evaluation work that has been undertaken and/or funded by the Ministry of Social Development.

Budget 2019

MSD undertook a multi-year work programme to understand the difference that the Budget 2019 investment made to sexual violence providers, sexual violence support service users and their whānau/support people. This included evaluation activities completed by MSD, the University of Canterbury and University of Otago.

Sexual harm crisis support services

2019 Sector engagement report  

During July/August 2019 we travelled around the country visiting sexual harm crisis support service (SHCSS) providers. 

This feedback informed our partnership and work programme approaches for the future direction of the sexual violence work programme, and allocation of Budget 2019 funding. 

2019 Gap in sexual violence post-crisis care 

Providers identified a gap in service provision for many victims/survivors of sexual violence after they have accessed crisis support services.

A common experience reported by providers was the requirement to ‘hold’ victims/survivors in their services until they reach independence, or until they can access support through the Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims (funded by ACC) or another appropriate agency.

Additionally, MSD’s Research and Evaluation team has summarised existing evidence on the types of post-crisis care and recovery support services that are effective in helping survivors of sexual violence.

Court support services

2018 Court support pilot for survivors of sexual violence 

In 2018/2019, MSD funded a court support pilot in Auckland to provide support for victims/survivors of sexual violence who are going through the criminal justice system. The pilot service was provided by Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation Charitable Trust (HELP Auckland).

Findings from the pilot service and evaluation informed the development of Budget 2019 Court Support Services.

2020 Literature review on international best court support models for victims-survivors of sexual violence 

A literature review provided us with an overview of international court support service models for victims/survivors of sexual violence going through the criminal justice system.

This review also provides an overview of various international court support models and explores the shared attributes between models that are considered best practice, the challenges for implementation, and recommendations for the Aotearoa New Zealand context.

Sexual violence workforce

2021 Experiences and support needs of the Pacific sexual violence workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand

This study investigated the experiences and support needs of the Pacific sexual violence (SV) workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. This work was commissioned as part of a work programme on the Budget 2019 investment in SV services. Download the full report or browse the summaries for government stakeholders and participants below.

Male survivors of sexual violence and abuse

2019 An evidence review of recovery services for men who have been sexually abused 

This research project brings together current evidence on what services support adult male survivors of sexual abuse. The project was undertaken by Carswell Consultancy.

2023 Barriers and facilitators to reporting and accessing services 

In 2020, we commissioned an exploratory study into the barriers and facilitators for male survivors of sexual violence and abuse (SVA) when reporting and accessing support services. The research was a joint effort between Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Otago, and the Donald Beasley Institute. More details about the report including links to the full report and summaries can be found below.  

Concerning Sexual Ideation

Stand Strong, Walk Tall 

MSD supported research to design and test an intervention framework to support people with concerning sexual ideation. This included a pilot programme that aimed to prevent childhood sexual abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand through a specialist therapeutic service for adults who experience attraction to children/young people. 

For more information about this research and outcomes see the concerning sexual ideation intervention pilot evaluation report below.