RESEARCH DESIGN

The research design for the Making a Difference Project is very straightforward, and requires only that participating professionals submit descriptive information on their agency’s sexual assault caseload during specified time periods. Because this data is provided anonymously, without any identifying information for the victim(s), suspect(s), witness(es), or others involved in the case, any potential risk to human subjects is minimized. The research component will consist only of providing this anonymous data to the EVAW International analyst for analysis. This analysis will include compiling the data provided by all of the participating professionals, so comparisons can be made across the various professional disciplines and communities involved in the Making a Difference Project.

One of the goals of this project is to refine the data collection methodology and materials to be used. Teleconferences are being conducted with representatives in the 8 Canadian communities to develop data collection tools that can be used by all communities. Data Collection Guidelines, Tracking Forms, and Excel Spreadsheets are being prepared for use by each of the 4 primary disciplines participating in the data collection effort:

Police
Prosecution
Forensic Medicine
Victim Advocacy – Community and System Based