A Survey of Survivors of Sexual Violence in the Northwest Territories

2. Methodology

This study involved interviews with 35 survivors of sexual violence in the Northwest Territories. One individual was not able to complete the questionnaire; as such, the analyses below reflect the data collected from 34 individuals. Data were collected in three communities across the Northwest Territories. The interviews were conducted in 2009.

The specific research questions that guided this study included:

  1. What were the experiences of sexual abuse and sexual assault as children and/or as adults? To what extent did participants experience both types of sexual violence?
  2. What was the impact of the sexual assault/abuse on the participants? What kind of coping mechanisms did the participant employ? 
  3. What factors facilitated and/or impeded reporting to the police?
  4. What are the experiences of survivors with the criminal justice system in cases where they did report the sexual assault to the police?  What is the participant’s overall level of confidence with the criminal justice system?
  5. What are the main sources of information from which survivors learn about the criminal justice system?
  6. What are the main suggestions provided by the participants in terms of what survivors of sexual violence need to know about the criminal justice system and in terms of how the criminal justice system can better meet the needs of survivors of sexual violence?

The interview tool was a 76-item survey that included both categorical and open-ended questions (please see Appendix A for a copy of the survey). The survey consisted of questions relating to demographic information and experiences of CSA and ASA. The survey also included questions on the psychological effects of abuse, coping, reporting practices, and experiences with, and confidence in, the criminal justice system. The survey was based on that used in Hattem’s (2000) study Footnote 6 and was further developed in collaboration with several sexual assault centres. A sexual assault centre in the Northwest Territories was also involved in the development of the survey and provided feedback regarding the consideration of important cultural factors that exist in Northern communities. Interviews were conducted by a counsellor with the centre in the Northwest Territories

The centre in the Northwest Territories recruited participants by contacting other service provider agencies, as well as current and former clients, through telephone, email, and in person. These contacts were invited to participate in the study through a written invitation describing the purpose and nature of the study. Participants received $50 to cover transportation and childcare costs. Prior to the interviews, the participants were provided with information regarding the study (including information regarding the confidential nature of the survey), as well as a list of counselling and support services. Participants were also screened for levels of distress prior to the survey to ensure that they were prepared to participate and to assess the potential impact of participating in the survey.