Participation information and consent form

Description and purpose of the study:
This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of professionals, paraprofessionals and community workers who have provided counselling and / or support First Nations males who suffer intimate partner violence (IPV) from current and former female partner/s. IPV is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as: “…behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours. This definition covers violence by both current and former spouses and partners” (WHO 2021, Violence Info–Intimate partner violence).

The goal of this research is to better understand the challenges and successes faced by these men and the service providers who help them. Currently there is no known research on this specific population.

Eligibility to participate:

• Over 18 years of age
• A service provider (e.g. mental health worker, counsellor, psychologist, social worker, social and emotional wellbeing practitioner, or other relevant health or community worker)
• Has experience counselling and/or supporting First Nations male survivor/s of female-perpetrated intimate partner violence. 

Your Participation:

• If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to partake in an interview (in person, or Zoom or equivalent). The interview will take approximately 60 minutes and will focus on your experiences and perceptions relating to the research topic, and may include questions such as the following: 

1. How do First Nations male survivors of intimate partner violence from their current or former female partners present to you? How do you identify them?
2. What forms of intimate partner violence do they typically report?
3. How aware are the men that they have experienced intimate partner violence?

• The interviews will be done online at a time of your convenience.  You will also be given the opportunity to tell your own stories and provide your own insights.  

About the researchers: 

• Marcus Priaulx is a qualified mental health counsellor. He has worked with First Nations individuals, services, education bodies, and communities for over 25 years. 
• Nathan Beel (PhD) is a counselling educator, PACFA counsellor and clinical supervisor and researcher.

Benefits:

• Contribution to knowledge: Your participation to the study will contribute to a better understanding and awareness of First Nations male survivors of the female-perpetrated IPV, and the experiences and recommendations from professionals working with this population.  
• Potential for improved services: The findings of this study may lead to improvements in the provision of support and services to this population.

Risks:

• Cultural sensitivity: People-first language will be used within the writing of the analysis and the information presented so as not to not gratuitously, propagate negative stereotypes.  
• Emotional discomfort: Discussing sensitive topics related to IPV may evoke emotional discomfort. Care will be taken to prevent harm or re-harm from relaying your experiences. Check-ins will be made and if you experience distress during the interview, you may pause or end the interview, with no pressure to continue. 
• Should the information being given, or the interview process cause you distress, please call 13YARN on 13 96 76 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Withdrawal:

• You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason. All data will be de-identified. Please note that data collected prior to withdrawal that has been submitted or accepted for publication, cannot be retracted. However, no further data collection or analysis will occur.

Other: 

• Confidentiality: All information collected during this study will be kept confidential. Your name and other identifying information will not be used in any reports or presentations. Only the research team will have access to your interview data.  Access to your interview transcript will be made available to you upon request and the results of the study can be sent to you at your request. 
• In the course of the interview, if information is disclosed about unreported child abuse or imminent harm to another person, confidentiality may be waived due to reporting requirements.
• If you have any concerns or complaints about the ethical conduct of the project, you may contact the University of Southern Queensland, Manager of Research Integrity and Ethics on +61 7 4631 2321 or email researchintegrity@unisq.edu.au. The Manager of Research Integrity and Ethics is not connected with the research project and can address your concern in an unbiased manner.
   

Questions:

• If you have any questions about the study or your participation, please do not hesitate to ask the principal investigator or research supervisor.  
• By completing this information and consent form, you indicate that you have read and understood this informed consent form and that you agree to participate in the study.

Compensation

Participation in this research is on a voluntary basis.  

Contact Information:

Phone: 0447 386 949 (Marcus Priaulx);
Email: Q0419614@umail.usq.edu.au (Marcus Priaulx) / Nathan.Beel@usq.edu.au (Nathan Beel)

Ethics approval ID: ETH2024-0812

Thank you for taking the time to help with this research project. Please keep this document for your information.