VAWnet: Applied Research Papers

VAWnet’s Applied Research Project brings together domestic and sexual violence researchers and practitioners who support the production of high-quality, peer reviewed Applied Research papers designed to synthesize and interpret current research on violence against women, offering a review of the literature and implications for practice.

Each of the 10-12 page papers listed in the tabs below are designed to be used for a variety of purposes: training and education, influencing public policy, systems advocacy, staff and professional development, grant writing, and program development.

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November 2011

Asset Building Programs for Domestic Violence Survivors

This Applied Research paper discusses asset building programs, including some of the benefits of asset ownership and the importance of such programs for domestic violence survivors. The lack of literature on asset building and domestic violence issues is highlighted, implying a need for further research.

Authors: Cynthia K. Sanders In consultation with Meg Schnabel

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October 2010

Economic Empowerment of Domestic Violence Survivors

This Applied Research paper reviews and critiques the existing literature on economic abuse experienced by domestic violence survivors and selected economic empowerment programs designed to address such abuse and its aftermath.

Authors: Judy L. Postmus in consultation with Rene Renick, Sandra Mayoral Pedroarias, and Kim Pentico

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September 2009

Civil Tort Actions Filed by Victims of Sexual Assault: Promise and Perils

This Applied Research paper examines tort actions for sexual assault - law suits that seek financial compensation for wrongs that cause injury to the victim. The paper also discusses benefits and drawbacks of tort litigation for sexual assault survivors.

Authors: Ellen Bublick With contributions from Jessica Mindlin

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September 2009

Economic Stress and Domestic Violence

This Applied Research paper provides data on domestic violence rates across social classes, highlights the relationship between economic stress and domestic violence, and explores employment, social support networks, and weaknesses in social services.

Authors: Claire M. Renzetti With contributions from Vivian M. Larkin

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January 2009

Parental Alienation Syndrome & Parental Alienation: Research Reviews

This VAWnet document provides a historical and research overview of Parental Alienation Syndrome and Parental Alienation, identifies strategic issues for advocates working with victims, and offers guidelines to improve courtsí treatment of these issues.

Authors: Joan S. Meier

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December 2008

Alcohol and Sexual Violence Perpetration

This Applied Research paper examines the frequent co-occurrence of alcohol and sexual violence perpetration. Identifying the different ways alcohol relates to perpetration can aid in the development of effective sexual violence prevention strategies.

Authors: Antonia Abbey With contributions from Lydia Guy Ortiz

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December 2008

The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Sexual Victimization

This Applied Research paper examines the relationship between alcohol and sexual victimization. The paper focuses on victimsí experiences, including resistance during and psychological effects subsequent to alcohol-involved sexual assault incidents.

Authors: Jeanette Norris

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May 2008

Substance Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence

This document provides an overview of the research on the relationship between substance abuse and woman battering, covering the victimís use of substances and the specific needs for domestic violence services for those with substance abuse problems.

Authors: Larry Bennett and Patricia Bland

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Revised October 2007

Child Custody and Visitation Decisions in Domestic Violence Cases: Legal Trends, Risk Factors, and Safety Concerns (Revised 2007)

Describes major legal and social trends surrounding custody and visitation decisions and the social science evidence supporting the need to consider domestic violence. Recommendations for custody and visitation decisions are explored.

Authors: Daniel G. Saunders in consultation with Karen Oehme

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December 2006

Treatment of Adult Sex Offenders

This Applied Research paper provides an overview of the current state of treatment of adult male sex offenders, with a focus on the effectiveness of treatment.

Authors: Robert Prentky and Barbara Schwartz With contributions from Gail Burns-Smith

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