1. Key ethics considerations

   • Vulnerable participants -> showing respect, validating participants’ opinions and feelings

   • Informed consent

   • Maintaining confidentiality

2. High-risk: This case study would likely have high-risk ethics application due to 1. Emotionally and sensitive topic 2. Potential disclosure of illegal/criminal activity related to dowry abuse (e.g. domestic violence). A potential risk to researcher is the researcher holding the sensitive information and that in itself being a motivation for outer parties to discontinue the research. To mitigate this, we can keep the names of the participants anonymous and also ensure that participation is voluntary if the participants do not feel comfortable enough to disclose information

3. Information sheet

   • Purpose of study: The research is about investigating dowry abuse in south-Indian communities

   • Role in research: provide insight into power dynamics and the historical cultural context behind dowry, as well as challenging pre-conceived sssumptjons on dowry abuse

   • Risk: potential psychological harm (re-living trauma)

   • Benefits: challenge assumptions, enhance educational background to the research topic, specific to Australian context

4. 2 free support services: Harmony alliance, ICSA (crisis support agency)

Risk level: high risk potential as it involves participation of people without their prior consent (to extract information from local forum and personal tweets); the use of personal data from government department (personal information as in doxing); illegal activities (to post other’s information to the public without consent); socially and politically sensitive topic (as oppose to the government and attempt to delegitimise police); potential risk to researcher (who might be retaliated by those extreme members in doxing groups)

Participant Information – Interview with Protesters or Police

Project title
Protest, policing, and everyday experiences

Who is running this study?
This study is for a university project by [Your Name], supervised by [Supervisor Name and email].

Why have I been invited?
You’re invited because you have first-hand experience as a protester or as a police officer involved in protest-related work.

What will I be asked to do?

A 45–60 minute confidential interview (in person or online).

We will ask about your experiences, decisions, and reflections.

With your consent, we will audio-record to ensure accuracy.

You can skip any question or stop at any time.

Are there risks?
Recalling protest or policing experiences may feel sensitive or upsetting. You can pause, skip, or stop at any time. If you become distressed, we’ll pause and offer referrals to free support services (below). Please avoid sharing operationally sensitive or classified information.

Are there benefits?
No direct benefit to you, but your perspectives can inform fairer policy and public understanding of protest and policing.

Privacy and data

Your identity will be kept confidential; reports will use a pseudonym and remove identifying details.

Audio files and transcripts will be stored securely and accessed only by the research team.

Data will be retained for at least 5 years then destroyed.

Voluntary participation
Participation is entirely voluntary and won’t affect your employment, services, or relationships. You may withdraw during or up to 14 days after the interview; we will delete your interview if you wish.

Questions or concerns

Free support service:

Suicide prevention services +85223820000

“18111” Mental health support hotline: 18111, 24/7 government owned

(Roxie) Mingkun Lu

Yuka Imai

Key ethics considerations

This case study involves vulnerable participants, meaning first consideration is informed consent on the topic, while showing respect, understanding and validating participants feelings and thoughts during the interviews. Another key consideration is the importance of confidentiality and ensuring the data obtained from participants is protected and utilised ethically while conducting research. 

Consider to have ‘high risk’ ethics application

This case study would fall under the ‘high risk’ ethics application due to many reasons: 

1. The potential disclosure of illegal/criminal related activities that is related to the topic of dowry abuse (e.g. financial withholding, domestic abuse, coercive control etc)

2. The risk of the researcher holding onto sensitive information impacting participants willingness to continue on with the interview and participation in the research. 

3. The topic being highly sensitive and emotional to the participants 

To help mitigate these risks it is important to maintain the confidentiality of all participants and ensure that the participants can withdraw from the research whenever they feel uncomfortable. While also noting that every step of the research has the participants informed consent and to not disclose any information from participants interviews to other outer parties. This will help ensure the research is done in an ethical manner and that participants are comfortable in being a part of the research. 

Information sheet 

Aim 

The aim of this study is to better understand the perceptions and experiences of dowry abuse within Indian communities living in Australia.

Role in the research 

As a participant in this research, your role is to provide insight and experience into the context of dowry abuse, sharing your own experience as being a part of the Indian community in Australia. From this, we are curious to hear your perspective on the matter, meaning you will be participating in an interview which lasts roughly 2 hours. While your participation in this research is completely voluntary, you can at any time, choose to withdraw, either before interviews are conducted or even afterwards. As we understand that the subject matter of this research may provide some personal risks and triggers to you as a participant. 

Potential risks

During this research, there may be risks of potential psychological harm (re-living trauma) and confidentiality. However, to prevent these risks, we will conduct these interviews in a private setting while having your name masked using a pseudonym. Further, we will ensure you are in a comfortable setting and any time during the interview, if it gets too distressing, you are more than welcome to stop or even withdraw from the interview. Any of the information provided from you will also be confidential and kept in a safe and secure database that only me and my research team can access. We will further provide any additional support services if needed. 

Support services 

• Lifeline ( 13 11 14 ) 

• Grief Line ( 03 9596 7799 ) 

Risks: Sara Singh's case study would likely be considered a high risk ethics application as the participants being interviewed are at risk of emotional harm when discussing the highly emotional and sensitive experiences of dowry abuse. To mitigate the potential risks of emotional distress or personal information being leaked and furthermore legal disruptions occurring with previous husbands etc. Singh ensured all participants were not in the middle of legal proceedings or coercive control relationships; instead interviewing victim-survivors. Additionally not posting any personal information of the participants so family members can not further target them. The researcher would personally have low risk of harm if they keep participants anonymous.

Information Sheet:

Research Outline: Sarah Singh is performing a study on perceptions and experiences of dowry and dowry abuse in Indian communities in Australia, with a focus on experiences where dowry abuse affects Indian women in Australia. The study will involve an interview method to gain a narrative on experiences surrounding the aims of the research. 

All participation is voluntary and any participants may withdraw at any time. Participants will also have informed consent and will be able to review transcript notes and make edits to the interview.

Role in Research: The researcher will be performing semi-structured interviews to gain qualitative information on the experiences of dowry and dowry abuse. The researcher will aim to gain information about the experiences of dowry abuse, behaviours associated with the practice of dowry that are harmful, and what kinds of support there is for victim-survivers when dowry becomes abusive. As there is limited research in this field in Australia, the researcher seeks to gain insights into the broad issues discussed and to relate this to the overall trend and historical significance of dowry and dowry abuse to Indian communities.

Risks or Benefits: As this is a very sensitive topic, although victims that are currently at risk of violence were not eligible to participate in the interview, there are still high risks associated with the psychological impact of retelling and describing traumatic or difficult experiences. There are benefits as victim-survivors are given the opportunity to narrate their experiences and provide information that is very useful to understanding this specific demographic. This could inform policy and more recognition towards dowry abuse in Australia. Furthermore, domestic and family violence support services are provided, allowing any participants who know others who are also facing such struggles can gain help and those who are victim-survivors will be able to find a community and support.

Free Support Services: As dowry abuse constitutes as a form of coercive control and domestic violence, 1800RESPECT, a national hotline providing support for individuals experiencing domestic abuse would provide crisis counselling if a woman is feeling psychologically unstable. Additionally inTouch Australia specialises in supporting migrant and refugee individuals experiencing domestic and family violence. They provide legal support and have caseworkers who work with individuals to improve their wellbeing. 

Other case study: Looking at Keira and Miami's ethics overview on Maree Higgins case study, I found it really interesting how they acknowledged that a risk for the researcher is the unpredictability of the participants' reactions to questions asked during interviews.

o   The research carefully prioritizes the safety, confidentiality, and well-being of participants, ensuring that informed consent is obtained and that sensitive experiences are handled with care. It also avoids retraumatization, respects cultural contexts, and has received ethical approval from the UNSW Human Research Ethics Committee to uphold rigorous ethical standards.

- Would this case study would likely have a minimum or ‘low risk’ ethics application or is research with this group high risk? Does working in research this way pose any risks to the researcher? What might these risks be and how would you mitigate these? Post a short summary to the padlet   

The case study is likely a high-risk ethics case for several reasons. First, dowry abuse may involve illegal acts like domestic violence or coercion. Second, the researcher could be entrusted with sensitive information, affecting participants' willingness to share or take part. Finally, the topic is distressing and may make participants uncomfortable.

Mitigation Strategies:

To address these risks, preventive measures can be implemented. Firstly, the confidentiality of all participants must be strictly maintained. Secondly, participants’ informed consent should be obtained before every stage of data collection, ensuring that they fully understand the purpose and scope of the study.  Lastly, emotional well-being support should be provided as the topic may evoke distressing memories; the researcher can provide information about free counselling and support services.

Consider if you were to interview the population being researched in your case study:

- Write a short information sheet (see pages 92–93 in the reading) in plain English that outlines what the research is about, what their role in the research will be, and any risks or benefits to the research (for Cale and Li assume that there is follow-up research that is conducted by interviewing ex-prisoners and protesters or policemen respectively. Post this to the padlet

o   What the research is about

- Our research aims to look at how people understand and experience dowry and dowry abuse in Australia, especially within Indian communities. We focus on behaviours associated with dowry, how it can become abuse, and what its social and cultural significances are. Additionally, the research would like to examine how well Australian laws and services are supporting victim survivors, aiming to bring more awareness to the issue and help improve support and policies for affected communities.

o   What your role is in the research will be

- You have been invited as a partipant in private interview to share your experiences or perspectives as victim survivors, and service providers who support victims. You are allowed to choose where and when to take the interview and are allowed to skip any question, take a break or stop at any time if you are feeling uncomfortable. We have been alert that if the services are appropriate and would make sure you feel safe and understand the purpose of the research.

o   Any risks or benefits to the research

- Discussing dowry abuse can be sensitive and distressing for you, especially in considering personal experiences, due to trauma, risk of homeless or still experiencing dowry abuse. With this research, it can raise awareness, helping to improve the services and laws and having the opportunity to share your stories and be heard.

-  Identify at least 2 free support services you could refer research subjects to if they became distressed in the course of an interview with them (post to the padlet)

- 1800RESPECT (24/7 national sexual, domestic & family violence support)
 Provides: Confidential crisis support, safety assessment and planning, referrals to shelters, legal and counselling services; interpreters available.
 Relevance to this study: If an interview raises immediate safety concerns or intense distress related to dowry-linked abuse, this is the primary warm-referral path to ensure post-interview safety and ongoing support.

- Lifeline (24/7 crisis support & suicide prevention)
 Provides: Immediate emotional support, de-escalation, and risk assessment via phone, text.
 Relevance to this study: Used when an interview triggers acute distress or self-harm thoughts—offers an accessible, right-now option once the session ends.

Women’s Legal Service NSW (free legal advice)
 Provides: Confidential legal information on domestic violence, AVOs, family law, property/financial abuse, and immigration/partner-visa issues.
 Relevance to this study: Appropriate referral when participants disclose dowry-related coercion, financial control, protection-order needs, or visa dependency—ensures legal guidance without the researcher giving legal advice.

1.Key ethics

• Since the context involves vulnerable populations, researchers should maintain high ethical sensitivity when using data involving illegal activities, avoid harm and stigma, and seek ethics approval.

• All unique information in the data should be securely stored (age,region, crime type), and privacy should be strictly protected.

• Normally, consent is required for the data use, but this principle becomes more complicated when the research is involved in illegal activities. If research serves public or social value, using data only with strict safeguards.

2.Case Study - low risk

• Low-risk research refers to a type of research that, when using data, causes almost no harm to the relevant individuals. Such data is usually anonymous and thus cannot identify individuals. The research content generally covers non-sensitive topics and does not include issues such as crime or health. Due to the extremely low possibility of legal impact, such projects usually can obtain rapid or low-risk ethical approval. In short, low-risk research uses anonymized and low-sensitivity data, causing almost no harm to anyone.

3.Information sheet

• Purpose of study: to analyze the effect of vocational education and training (VET) on reducing the re-offense rate among Australia prisoners.

• Role in research: Provide administrative data to help researchers understand the impact of education and training and the experiences after its release.

• Risk: low risk: Lack of the consent of the direct participants may lead to data leakage.

• Benefits: Without the respondents' direct participation, avoiding psychological harm and also providing reliable experience for the support services for the criminals.

4.Free support services

This study did not involve direct participation from the subjects. It only analyzed secondary materials, so it did not provide services from the aid agencies. These three are the institutions that might be able to offer assistance.

Community Restorative Centre (CRC)

The Green Collar

Lifeline Australia

Derived from forums rather than public databases, posing risks of privacy breaches and legal violations. Research subjects involve political conflicts, state surveillance, threats, and personal privacy leaks.

Risks include:

1. Data leakage

2. Legal risks (National Security Law/cybercrime)

3. Risk of physical or mental harm to others Mitigation measures

· Use anonymity/pseudonyms

Encrypt interview data and content. Conduct anonymous interviews

Participants must sign a voluntary consent form and may halt or withdraw at any time if uncomfortable. On-site risk management training provided

Project:

Research topic: Understanding data usage and doxing in Hong Kong protests

Investigates how individuals utilise online information and doxing during Hong Kong protests, and its impact on victims' (police officers') personal health and safety.

You are invited to participate in...

‘Online Information and Doxing as Digital Weapons’ is an ongoing research project by an undergraduate research group within the Faculty of Social Sciences. This study explores how individuals navigate online communication, privacy concerns, and identity exposure when engaging in civic activities related to the Hong Kong protests. Researchers focus on personal perceptions and impacts regarding online risks, doxing threats, and participation in digital activism.

Student researchers are supervised by __ and _ at the University of New South Wales. Should you wish to contact the researchers or supervisors, their details are listed at the end of this page.

Primary objectives of this research:

This study aims to gain deeper insights into how individuals experience and navigate digital exposure, online surveillance, and doxxing during periods of political activism. By understanding these experiences, researchers hope to contribute to academic and public understanding of cybersecurity, personal emotional impacts, and digital ethics within civic movements. The researchers' objective is to gain deeper insight into digital participation during protests and its associated risks.

Why have you been invited to participate in this research?

You have been invited to participate in this study because you are an independent-minded adult with self-awareness who may have witnessed or experienced discussions, identity disclosures, or online risks related to online protests. Your participation is entirely voluntary. Should you feel uncomfortable at any point, you may withdraw from the study without repercussion.

What will you do?

You will participate in a brief interview (approximately 35-50 minutes) about your experiences or perspectives. You may choose not to answer any question and may request to stop the interview at any time if you feel uncomfortable. The initial part of the interview will be relatively short, allowing us to get to know each other and establish a comfortable atmosphere for discussion; the remainder will focus on your experiences and views. The interview will be recorded to ensure no details are overlooked. Your name will not be recorded; we will use a code such as ABCA1 A....... Should you prefer not to be recorded, the researcher will take notes instead. You may also skip any question or end the interview at any time.

Researchers may ask you to describe online and digital interactions observed during events related to the protests (e.g., group chats, Telegram channels, social media). You are under no obligation to provide any real personal identities, names, personal profiles, or account details.

Participants must fully understand the research content before engaging. You may withdraw at any time. An informed consent form will be provided before the interview commences.

You may withdraw at any time without providing a reason. Should you choose to withdraw, your interview data will not be utilised. However, once information is anonymised and merged with other participants' data, it may not be possible to remove it.

Potential benefits of participating:

While offering no direct benefit to you, this research may enhance public understanding of digital activism and data ethics, and assist us in advancing social relationship development.

Are there any potential risks associated with participating in this research?

Some participants may experience discomfort when recalling stressful online experiences or expressing concerns about personal information leaks or surveillance. Should you feel distressed, you may contact the research team or seek counselling support services, such as:

1. Hong Kong Lifeline: 2382 0000

2. Hong Kong Samaritan Befrienders: 2389 2222 (Suicide Prevention Hotline)