annotated bibliography of new zealand research into family violence

presented significant victim specific empathy deficits, but were also generally less empathicthan the non-offenders. Their deficits emanated at the perspective taking stage of empathy,particularly towards their own victims. They presented more general deficits at the followingemotional replication stage. These deficits were consistent during and immediately after thesexual encounter with their most recent victim. These results were mostly consistent withrecent research, and emphasised the need for further development of competency-basedmeasures that are not subject to the fundamental bias associated with self report scales. Thelimitations and research implications are discussed with particular emphasis on the EAT andthe factors that manifest these victim specific empathy deficits.Source: Author’s abstractWatson, C. (1996). Policy options for the treatment of sexually abused women who have a mentaldisorder. Unpublished master’s thesis, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13185.pubTopic Areas: Child abuse and neglect, Sexual abuse, Women, Children, Victims/survivors,Children as victims, Health, Mental health, Policy, Social services, Prevention/intervention/treatmentAbstract: This thesis examines the prevalence and impact of childhood sexual abuse, and theresponses of the main health agencies involved in the treatment of sexual abuse. The authorargues that women who have been sexually abused as children can have a variety of reactionsto the abuse both in the short- and long-term; thus policies developed in the area of sexualabuse need to be flexible enough to deal with a spectrum of needs. The author suggests that aseparate team of specialist staff from across the health system, who solely work with victimsof sexual abuse, would provide the best services to victims. The author recommends that aclear statement of the responsibility of mental health services be made; those without a coexistingmental health disorder still receive counselling; there be a defined policy dealingwith victims of sexual abuse who have mental health problems so that clients have all theirneeds met; and best practice guidelines, along with clinical standards, be established for thetreatment of sexual abuse victims.Weatherall, M. (2001). Elder abuse: A survey of managers of residential care facilities in Wellington,New Zealand. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 13(1), 91-99.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13008.pubTopic Areas: Elder abuse and neglect, Families, Older persons, Institutional violenceAbstract: This article presents an exploratory study into the occurrence of elder abuse inresidential care facilities in Wellington, New Zealand. A standardised interview procedurewas conducted with 26 managers of residential care facilities. A definition of the differenttypes of elder abuse are provided, and the managers were asked questions relating to these.Ninety-two percent of the participants revealed that at least one resident in the past year hadbeen a victim of elder abuse. The offender was identified as a family member in 63% ofcases. Despite acknowledging the occurrence of violence towards residents, not all of thefacilities had procedures for the detection or management of elder abuse. Furthermore, theAge Concern Elder Abuse programme was seldom contacted.Wedde, F. R. (2004). Victim refusal to testify in domestic violence cases: Can "victimlessprosecutions" provide the answers. Unpublished master’s thesis, Victoria University ofWellington, New Zealand.180