Latest Research on Violence Prevention
Check out these short research summaries on violence prevention from other experts in the field and learn their implications for practice!
Stress and parenting during the global COVID-19 pandemic (2020)
In this study, researchers examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceptions of parental stress and risk of child abuse. Researchers recruited parents aged 18 years or older with a child under 18 years old from child- and family-serving agencies and educational settings in the Rocky Mountain region. Between April and May 2020, a total of 183 parents completed the online survey developed by the researchers. Results showed parents experienced cumulative stressors and high anxiety and depressive symptoms due to COVID-19. Although these cumulative stressors were associated with higher parent-perceived stress, they did not significantly relate to increased risk of child abuse potential. Researchers found that greater emotional and social support for parents, as well as parents’ perceived control over the COVID-19 situation, help lower perceptions of stress and risk of child abuse potential. Researchers noted that increasing connections to community resources and broadening parents’ support networks could play a key role in child abuse prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Don’t Know where to Go for Help”: Safety and Economic Needs among Violence Survivors during the COVID-19 Pandemic (2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated safety concerns for survivors of interpersonal violence and jeopardized access to support services. Researchers with our partners at UTMB’s Center for Violence Prevention conducted an online survey from April to June 2020 assessing people with safety concerns from interpersonal violence. From a total of 53 participants, 40% reported decreases in safety. Participants also reported mixed experiences with virtual services and challenges with health and work, economic instability, and accessing resources and support were reported. Researchers recommended improving safety planning, virtual approaches, and access to economic resources to meet survivors’ needs.
“The Propellers of My Life” The Impact of Domestic Violence Transitional Housing on Parents and Children (2022)
Domestic violence programs widely use transitional housing for survivors and their children, yet little research has explored the impact of domestic violence transitional housing (DVTH). In this study from our partners at UTMB’s Center for Violence Prevention, researchers conducted interviews with 27 residents at a DVTH program hosted by a domestic violence-agency in a large urban county. Participants, each of whom had children under 18 years old, completed an initial interview and a follow-up interview every 3 months for the duration of their stay in DVTH.
Researchers sought to explore survivors’ perceptions of the impact of DVTH on their parenting and child wellness. Interviews revealed that participants perceived strong parent-child relationships as a result of DVTH, having had the opportunity to focus on each other and receive mental health supports. Participants also noted that transitional housing creates family stability through various supports, ultimately improving parent, child, and family wellness. Researchers found that DVTH can have positive impacts on both children and parents, but that environmental safety concerns and accessibility of resources must be improved to ensure these positive impacts.