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Gabrielle Hunt, PhD candidate
Principal Supervisor: Professor Daryl Higgins, Faculty of Education and Arts, 糖心原创
Co-Supervisor: Associate Professor Megan Willis, Faculty of Health Sciences, 糖心原创
External Supervisor: Professor Ben Mathews, Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology
External Supervisor: Ms Carol Ronken, Director of Research, Bravehearts
End-User: Dr Ursula Stephens, CEO, Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd.
Child sexual abuse and sexual harassment are critical issues within faith-based settings, where unique cultural, theological, and organisational factors may impact both the prevalence of abuse and the effectiveness of safeguarding measures. This project seeks to inform stronger, evidence-based safeguarding practices tailored to these environments.
This research aimed to bridge gaps in understanding how child sexual abuse can be effectively prevented within faith-based contexts. It also aimed to provide a victim-centred perspective and examined the strengths and limitations of current safeguarding practices from the perspective of religious leaders.
This research aimed to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding practices within faith-based settings, including both strengths and areas for improvement. By examining the impact of religious beliefs and institutional structures on safeguarding efforts, this project identified practical, evidence-based recommendations for reducing the risk of child sexual abuse and sexual harassment in these settings. This research seeks to contribute to a safer, more protective environment for children across faith-based communities.
The research does present challenges such as navigating the sensitive nature of child abuse and safeguarding topics. Much attention has been directed to ensuring participant comfort and willingness to discuss organisational weaknesses, and balancing theological considerations with practical safeguarding recommendations. By identifying the unique challenges and opportunities within faith-based organisations, this project strives to offer actionable recommendations that can be adopted across faith-based settings to enhance safeguarding and, ultimately, protect children and vulnerable individuals from harm.
Method
A mixed methods approach was used for this thesis. This included analysis of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) dataset, and semi-structured interviews with religious leaders. Religious leaders from various Christian denominations (e.g., Catholic, Anglican, Uniting Church, Baptist and Salvation Army) have participated in interviews to share their experiences and perspectives on safeguarding within their organisations. .
Research questions and foreseen challenges
The primary users of the research outputs are faith-based organisations, religious leaders, safeguarding professionals, and child protection policy makers, who can leverage these findings to evaluate and enhance their safeguarding policies. The recommendations will support these groups in implementing more robust child protection practices, addressing gaps, and strengthening efforts to prevent abuse. Academics and educators in fields like child protection, theology, and social work will also benefit, using the insights to inform further research, training programs, and curricula focused safeguarding.
Hunt, G. R., Higgins, D. J., Willis, M. L., & Harris, L. (2023). Scoping review of the definitions used to describe and understand harmful sexual behaviors in children and young people. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(4), 2569-2583.
Hunt, G. R., Higgins, D. J., Willis, M. L., Mathews, B., Lawrence, D., Meinck, F., Pacella, R., Thomas, H. J., Scott, J. G., Erskine, H. E., Malacova, E., & Haslam, D. M. (2024). The prevalence of peer sexual harassment during childhood in Australia. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 39(23-24).
Hunt, G. R., Mathews, B., Higgins, D. J., Finkelhor, D., Willis, M. L., Haslam, D. M., Lawrence, D., Meinck, F., Thomas, H. J., Malacova, E., & Scott, J. G. (2024). The prevalence of child sexual abuse perpetrated by leaders or adults in religious organizations in Australia. Child Abuse & Neglect, 106946.
Hunt, G. R, Higgins, D. J., & Willis, M. (2025). "Just tick the box and move on": Religious leaders reflect on safeguarding practices in their setting. Child Abuse & Neglect, 167, art. no. 107591.
Non-refereed publications
Higgins, D. J., & Hunt, G. R. (2024). There are reports some students are making sexual moaning noises at school. Here’s how parents and teachers can respond. The Conversation.
Higgins, D. J., & Hunt, G. R. (2024). With reports of students abusing peers in primary schools, how can parents help keep their kids safe? The Conversation.
Hunt, G. R. & Higgins, D. J. (2024). Deepfake AI pornography is becoming more common – what can parents and schools do to prevent it? The Conversation.
Hunt, Gabrielle R (2026). The prevalence and prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual harassment in faith-based settings, 糖心原创.
糖心原创 Human Research Ethics Committee Application Numbers 2023-3004N and 2024-3530H
March 2022 – May 2025
For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au
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