Expert Advisory Committee: Military Sexual Trauma Research Project
Expressions of interest are open for the Expert Advisory Committee to support the Military Sexual Trauma Research Project.
Background
The Australian Human Rights Commission has been asked by the Australian Government to do independent research on the prevalence and impacts of military sexual trauma among current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.
Lived Experience Australia will be running the EOI process. Applications close Sunday 14th June 11.59pm AEST.
About the Committee
We are establishing an Expert Advisory Committee to support the Military Sexual Trauma Research. We are seeking up to 10 Committee members who will bring:
- Lived experience of military sexual violence and/or military sexual trauma; and/or
- Professional expertise related to the project, particularly within the ADF or military like contexts, such as expertise in trauma, moral injury, suicide prevention, responses to suicidality, First Nations cultural safety, preventing and responding to sexual violence.
Committee members will contribute their expertise, review materials, and support safe and inclusive engagement approaches within the project.
The Committee will meet online with the Commission across a series of meetings between June 2026 and March 2027. The first meeting will be on 26th June at 1pm to 2pm AEST.
Who is running the EOI
Lived Experience Australia (LEA) will manage the recruitment and onboarding process for the Committee in a way that is trauma-informed, transparent and respectful of the expertise and courage it takes to participate.
LEA will have a peer support person available throughout the Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
Any questions about this process, your application, or what Committee involvement would mean for you can be sent to:
Sharon Lawn, Executive Director
slawn@livedexperienceaustralia.com.au
0459 098 772
About the project
This research will help us understand how common military sexual trauma is among current and former members of the ADF and to learn directly from victim-survivors who have experienced it.
We want to understand:
- how common military sexual trauma is
- the impacts of military sexual trauma
- what victim-survivors say they need
- what needs to change so responses are safer and more effective.
What we learn will:
- help us better understand the systems and culture that leads to military sexual trauma
- identify what makes it more likely for someone to experience sexual trauma in the ADF
- understand how responses can help or hinder victim-survivors mental health
- inform decisions about improving systems, services and outcomes for people who have been affected.
What you will do if you join the Committee
Members will give advice, expertise and guidance on the approach and implementation of the research. LEA will set out meeting dates in advance, and the Commission will work with the Committee to agree on final meeting dates. Full details will be shared during onboarding.
As a Committee member you will:
- Participate in a series of online meetings with the Commission's research team;
- Share your perspectives and expertise to help shape how the research is designed and carried out, including advising on participant engagement;
- Review and provide feedback on research materials, such as survey questions or consultation approaches, where relevant; and
- Contribute to a safe, inclusive, respectful and collaborative group environment.
Committee members with lived experience of military sexual violence and/or sexual trauma will not be asked to share their personal experience or relive difficult events.
How will the EOI process work?
Before putting in your EOI, please read the Participant Information Statement for full details about the project and what participation involves.
- You should also refer to the Eligibility Selection Criteria to ensure the Committee is the right fit for you and to understand how the selection process will work.
- Complete the Expression of Interest application via Expression of Interest Form – Fill out form.
- LEA will review all applications against eligibility and selection criteria.
- Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for a brief, informal conversation (approximately 15–20 minutes) to learn more about you and answer any questions you may have.
- The Commission will make the final selection.
- All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application, whether or not they are selected, as promptly as possible.
How to apply
Go to the Expression of Interest Form and follow the prompts to complete the EOI application.
If you experience any problems with the online form, or would prefer to send via email, you can contact slawn@livedexperienceaustralia.com.au for the Word template.
Applications close Sunday 14th June 11.59pm AEST
Support services
ADF All-hours Support line
1800 628 036
Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling
1800 011 046
Lifeline
13 11 14
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732