Fred Seymour

Violence and Sexual Coercion in High School Students' Dating Relationships

A review of the dating violence literature reveals a limited number of studies with high school students and few studies that investigate the contextual issues of violence, such as meaning, motivation, and consequences. The present study sought to investigate the extent of dating violence victimization in a New Zealand sample of senior high school students (aged 16 to 18 years) and the perceived reasons for the violence, emotional effects, disclosure of the violence, and relationship consequences. A questionnaire that contained both open-ended and forced-choice items pertaining to experiences of violence and its consequences was developed using material gathered from focus group discussions with high school students. Findings showed gender similarity in the extent of violence and a number of significant gender differences in the aftermath of violence, particularly in the area of sexual coercion. These findings are discussed in the context of future research and prevention of dating violence.

Questioning child complainants of sexual abuse: Analysis of criminal court transcripts in New Zealand

This article contributes to the debate concerning how best to question child complainants about sexual abuse in a way that is in the best interests of the child and the fact‐finder. Although this research was conducted in New Zealand, the issues raised are relevant to adversarial criminal justice systems elsewhere. Four analyses were conducted on 26 transcripts of the evidence‐in‐chief and cross‐examination of child complainants of sexual abuse, and 12 transcripts of evidential interviews of the younger of these complainants. In the first analysis, a coding system was developed to categorise questions into different types of open and closed questions. In the second analysis, the authors investigated the complexity of the sentence structure used in the questions asked. Both analyses were conducted on the questions asked by evidential interviewers, prosecutors and defence lawyers. The third analysis focused on the sequence and content of questions asked in cross‐examination. Finally, the reason for interven...

In reply to: The interests of justice? The cross‐examination of child complainants of sexual abuse in criminal proceedings

The criminal court system in New Zealand is adversarial. Despite recent changes to the law allowing childrens evidence‐in‐chief to be presented on videotape, children are usually cross‐examined in court or via closed‐circuit television. A theme analysis was conducted on the questions asked in 26 transcripts of cross‐examinations of child witnesses who allege sexual abuse in criminal proceedings. In a parallel study, 14 lawyers were interviewed on the strategies they employ when cross‐examining child complainants of sexual abuse. It is argued that current cross‐examination practices in the criminal courts may often breach the New Zealand Law Society Rules of Professional Conduct for Barristers and Solicitors (Rules 8.1, 8.5 and 10.5), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Articles 3(1) and 39). As a result of the studies, five steps are identified which have the potential to ensure that cross‐examinations are consistent with the legal code of ethics and which will produce trials th...

Young adults’ narratives of relational development with stepfathers:

Young adults (N = 25) who grew up in stepfamilies in New Zealand took part in narrative interviews on relationships development with their stepfathers. Initially interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis that indicated the importance of perceptions of the stepfather’s personal qualities; warmth and support; discipline issues; and perceptions of his impact on the family. In addition, a narrative analysis examined five types of stories, which ranged from Continuous Positive Regard to Continuous Struggle. Positive stepfather—stepchild relationships were characterized by stepfather warmth and support, and stepchild acceptance. Boundary-related discipline issues underlay many stepfather—stepchild difficulties. Implications for stepfather roles, stepfamily parental alliance, and relationships with stepchildren are discussed.

Interventions for caregivers of children who disclose sexual abuse: a review.

The importance of interventions for non-offending caregivers following the disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) is increasingly recognised in the literature. These interventions are particularly important given what is currently known about the impact of CSA disclosure on non-offending caregivers and the value of caregiver support in assisting their childrens recovery. This review provides summary background information on the prevalence and short-term impact of CSA on children, with a particular focus on variables that mediate outcomes including caregiver support. The impact of a childs disclosure on the non-offending caregiver is discussed considering both the emotional effects and changes in their support networks. Furthermore, we examine the associated needs of non-offending caregivers including information, emotional support, support around their own victimisation if relevant, and parenting assistance. Finally, we provide a detailed review of the specific interventions available for caregivers after such a disclosure is made. These interventions include those that just provide information, support groups, psycho-educational groups, support incorporated into the childs intervention, and individual caregiver support. We conclude that interventions for non-offending caregivers are vital in the recovery of the child and their caregiver following CSA and discuss future research considerations.

A Parent-Focused Early Intervention Program for Autism: Who Gets Access?.

Abstract Background The EarlyBird program is a psycho‐educational early intervention program for parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). It aims to provide parents with skills to increase their child’s communication and manage challenging behaviour using behavioural techniques. Method Two interlinked studies examined access to the EarlyBird program and barriers which may affect uptake. Study 1 investigated who accessed the EarlyBird program, and what factors influenced this choice. Study 2 was a qualitative investigation which focused on barriers to uptake for ethnic minority groups in New Zealand. Results Findings indicated that approximately 85% of families eligible for the program do not participate. Non‐membership of Autism New Zealand (the agency responsible for administering the program), ethnicity, and length of wait time were significant factors in non‐participation. Conclusions A model of factors which may influence uptake of interventions targeting the families of children with a disability is proposed.

Using wilderness therapy in treating adolescent sexual offenders

Abstract This article describes a follow-up study of 14 adolescent sexual offenders who had attended a community treatment programme. A core component of their treatment included outdoor wilderness group therapy. Interviews were conducted with adolescents and parents and tapped several areas including social skills and peer relationships, victim empathy, cognitive distortions, safety plans and coping with high risk situations, sexual offending cycle, perceived level of risk, intimacy and sexuality. The study also examined the child protection service records of the It adolescents. Data from child protection service computer records showed that none of the adolescents had reoffended. Interviews with adolescents and families focusing particularly on the wilderness component of the programme showed positive changes.

Measuring outcome in child and adolescent mental health services: Consumers’ views of measures:

Background: Outcome measurement in child and adolescent mental health services in New Zealand became mandatory in 2005 and little is known about how this is perceived by service users. Aims: This study aimed to ascertain what service users think about routine outcome measurement in child and adolescent mental health services. Method: Nine semi-structured focus groups of child and adolescent service users (n=34) and family members (n=21) were held in different sites in New Zealand to determine their views on outcome measures. Results: Consumers supported outcome assessment with some provisos that have important implications for clinical services: the method of collecting information is critical to acceptance; assessment should be done in the context of an established relationship with the clinician; care is needed over the timing and context of assessment, access to information and feedback of results; and measures should be brief and holistic and their limitations recognised. Conclusion: Service users support outcome measures but their implementation requires care and consultation.

One size does not fit all: Future directions for the treatment of sexually abusive youth in New Zealand

Abstract In recent years the problem of sexually abusive youth has been increasingly recognized as a significant issue in our community. This paper provides a brief overview of the literature that shows sexually abusive youth to be a heterogeneous population. We argue for the development of typologies of adolescent sexual offenders to assist in the guiding of individualized treatment plans to suit adolescents’ and families’ needs. Further research should focus on development and interventions that are appropriate to adolescent sexual offender types. A description of how treatment issues are being addressed in New Zealand is included and recommendations are made regarding possible future directions for the treatment of sexually abusive youth.

A simple systems model for community programs

A simple model for general application to the planning and evaluation of community programs is presented. It is based on a systems approach and consists of seven procedural steps: overview, need assessment, goal-setting, resource organization, action, reviews, and outcome statements. Feedback information is used to correct and improve system performance. Two examples of the model in use are given to illustrate both its application and its generality. These concern the management of individual patients in a community-oriented psychiatric ward program and the organization of a comprehensive community development project. The feature common to these applications is the ability of the model to reduce complex endeavors to a few manageable steps, with no loss of comprehensiveness.