Indigenous Perspectives on Operation RESET: An Initiative to Improve the Identification and Prosecution of Child Sexual Abuse Incidents in Remote Indigenous Communities

Abstract

Objective: Child sexual abuse in remote Indigenous communities is prevalent and damaging, and finding solutions has been challenging. This study is an evaluation of Indigenous stakeholders’ experiences of an intervention aimed at addressing child sexual abuse in remote Indigenous communities in Western Australia.

Method: Nine interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis methodology. Interviewees included family members of children who had been sexually abused, and Indigenous service providers who lived in the communities.

Results: Three broad themes emerged from the analysis: communication, action and presence, and working together to address child sexual abuse. Stakeholders described how the engagement with the team was respectful and collaborative, communication and service provision were excellent and stakeholders felt that they had a strong part to play in the process. Engagement, trust, warm relationships, and excellent outcomes were strong features of this initiative.

Conclusions: The operation was seen as a new way of working together, and was strongly endorsed by the Indigenous participants interviewed in this study.