In response to concerns expressed within our survivor community, and to foster a more informed understanding of male circumcision as it presents in our contemporary society, MSA commissioned the attached literature review titled “Circumcision: A controversial topic.”
This paper also references another discussion on the ethical considerations of circumcision titled “Genital Autonomy and Sexual Wellbeing”, which has been included in our web Research archive to further inform our readers.
Disparities in police proceedings and court sentencing for females versus males who commit sexual offences in New Zealand
This study investigated whether there are disparities in the way in which police proceed against females and males who commit sexual offences. We explored whether there are discrepancies in the severity of court sentences handed down to female and male sexual offenders.
Using police and sentencing data, we compared the proportion of females and males who proceeded to court action once charged with a sexual offence and, separately, the severity of sentencing handed down to both genders.
In terms of police decision-making processes, compared to males, a smaller proportion of females proceeded to “court action” for their offences. Furthermore, the severity of sentences handed down to males was greater than those handed down to females, both generally and when the sexual offence could be directly matched.
These findings are discussed in the context of gender differences in how these crimes are processed and implications for justice, intervention, and community safety.
NZ Research Team to Inform Peer Support Effectiveness
Examining the journeys of adult male survivors of sexual abuse and the services they need: identifying effective practice and gaps from a ready model of peer support in New Zealand.
Social Service System: The Funding Gap and How to Bridge It
Research funded jointly by social service providers and philanthropic organisations.
Victims’ Voices: The Justice Needs and Experiences of New Zealand Serious Crime Victims
Victim Support says research shows it’s time to take action and put victims at the heart of the justice system. Karen McLeay, Victim Support Acting Chief Executive, said the results of Chief Victims’ Advisor Dr Kim McGregor’s research, Strengthening the Criminal Justice System for Victims, paint a realistic picture of the justice system’s failings.