Study on health and social consequences of crime
A University of Western Sydney study will be the first qualitative research of its kind in Australian to investigate the health and social consequences of crime on students.
Rosemary Cassidy, a PhD candidate from the Family and Community Health Research Group (FaCH), says the study will add to the international literature available on exposure to crime and mental and physical related health consequences.
"My research will attempt to gain an insight into experiences, recovery and ongoing health effects and in doing so will have implications for campus policy in security and support for students at university," says Ms Cassidy.
Ms Cassidy says there is a lack of qualitative international research on health effects of crime for students.
"Preliminary findings show links between crime and health concerns, including physical injury, anxiety, PTSD, depression, somatisation and health risk behaviours such as eating disorders, smoking, gambling, drug and alcohol abuse, hostility and lowering physical activity."
If you are over the age of 18, and have experienced some form of crime while a student at university, you are invited to discuss your experience.
Participation involves a one hour face-to-face or telephone interview and all responses will be anonymous. Interviews will be scheduled from now until mid 2012.
The research has been approved by the UWS Human Research Ethics Committee. If you are interested in participating, or would like more information, please contact Rosemary Cassidy on 0418 535 892 or r.cassidy@uws.edu.au.
Ends
6 January 2012
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