World-renowned gendered violence researcher and clinical psychologist Mary Koss is discussing her work at Central Queensland University Mackay this afternoon.

University of Arizona Professor Koss’s major areas of research include substance abuse, violence among American Indians, sexual assault surveillance and violence prevention program evaluation.

Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research director Heather Nancarrow said Professor Koss’s current project relates to implementing and evaluating a restorative justice-based alternative to the formal criminal justice system for dealing with selected sexual offences. “Findings from Professor Koss’s work are of interest to those working in areas such as criminology, criminal justice and corrections as well as those working in the area of sexual assault prevention and counselling,” she said.

“It is of particular interest to those working with offenders who fall within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice Act, or the victims of those offenders, because such cases may be referred to a similar restorative justice-based alternative here in Mackay.” .

The Mackay Youth Justice Conferencing Program was launched in October 2003. Professor Koss is discussing her work on gendered violence, with a specific focus on sexual assault and the utility of restorative justice and conferencing in such cases.

“In recognition of her contributions, the American Psychological Association honoured Professor Koss with its 2000 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy," Ms Nancarrow said.

“Her depth of knowledge for the sexual assault and the restorative system has been included in two books and over 175 articles.”.

The presentation on gendered violence, sexual assault and restorative justice is being broadcast to six statewide sites from CQU Mackay campus.