Core Faculty Current Projects Completed Research Grants Received Outreach Community Partners Public Policy Work Student Affiliates Research Staff Info for Survivors Support Our Work Get Involved

"All of the core members of the Violence Against Women Research and Outreach Initiative share a commitment to applying research to pressing public policy issues"

Public Policy Work

All of the core members of the Violence Against Women Research and Outreach Initiative share a commitment to applying research to pressing public policy issues. To that end we (1) engage in outreach and research that will influence public policy, (2) initiate discussions of society's most pressing needs among diverse audiences, and (3) work closely with state and level organizations whose missions involve ending violence against women and advancing justice for survivors.

Some examples of our impact on policy include:

Presentation to the National Academy of Sciences
Dr. Maxwell and was invited to submit and present a paper together on violence against women prevention efforts to the National Academy of Sciences in 2002. The proceedings from these efforts were used for "Advancing the Federal Research Agenda on Violence Against Women," published by the National Research Council, National Academy of Science (2004).
Study used as primary congressional evidence for provision in Violence Against Women Act of 2000
Dr. Sullivan’s study that experimentally examined the effects of advocacy for battered women over time was the primary congressional evidence used to support a provision in the federal Violence Against Women Act of 2000 offering special protection to battered immigrant women.
Empowerment evaluation work influenced evaluation direction of CDC and Crime Victim Compensation Board
The empowerment evaluation work of Drs. Sullivan and Campbell (which developed through collaborations with community partners) has received national recognition and attention, and has influenced the evaluation direction of the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Injury Prevention as well as the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Board.
Outcome evaluation of domestic violence victim service programs used for U.S., and in European Union
Dr. Sullivan's leadership in the area of evaluating victim service programs has been recognized both nationally and internationally. In 2006 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contracted with her and Dr. Eleanor Lyon to design and implement an outcome evaluation of domestic violence victim service programs that will be used across all 53 states and territories. She has also worked with Portugal, the Rebublic of Ireland, and Scotland to collaboratively create outcome measures of domestic abuse victim service programs that is expected to be widely disseminated throughout the European Union.
Advocacy intervention research study impacts national Accreditation Standards
Dr. Sullivan's advocacy intervention research study was instrumental in the development of national standards incorporated into the Council on Accreditation's 8th Edition Domestic Violence Standards.
Research used for evaluation of Michigan Senate bills
Dr. Sullivan's work has been frequently used by the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board when they decide whether or not to support bills under consideration by the Senate.
Project addresses mental health needs for Wayne County high risk group
Dr. Kubiak is currently involved in a collaborative project that promises to change how women within the Wayne County jail are assessed. There is little attention to mental health needs of this group of women who are at high risk for exposure to interpersonal violence as children and adults. The project will institutionalize screening, assessment and referral of mental health and service needs for women entering the jail has the potential to change service delivery so that women may be less likely to experience subsequent exposure.
Research informs Illinois state policy for adolescents
Dr. Kennedy’s research findings have been used to inform the development of Illinois state policy in areas regarding adolescents who are pregnant and/or parenting, and/or who are survivors of physical or sexual violence and advocacy efforts.

Some examples of our community impact include:


Evaluations of community services for improvement and funding
We have provided numerous evaluations of community services to determine their efficacy. This information is always provided back to the programs so they can improve their services and use findings to request additional funding.
Advocacy effects study serves as model in U.S., British Columbia
Dr. Sullivan's study that experimentally examined the effects of advocacy for battered women over time is now being replicated in areas of British Columbia, Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota.