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The University of Kentucky Center for Research on Violence Against Women

In September 2002, University of Kentucky President Lee Todd took steps to create a specialized research center addressing all forms of physical, sexual, and psychological maltreatment of women. Creation of the Center grew out of a recognized need to strengthen research and graduate education on domestic violence, rape, stalking and related crimes against women, and out of the University’s commitment to strengthening its research agenda in the risk-related behavioral sciences. The Center for Research on Violence Against Women strives to enhance the mission of the University of Kentucky by promoting excellence in teaching, research and public service while improving the status of women on the University campus and the Commonwealth.

The Center works to:

  • Attract and support faculty by providing an environment for outstanding professional education, mentoring and research opportunities;
  • Mentor and encourage graduate and post-doctoral students by providing opportunities for research, learning, and public service, as well as exposure to a state of the art university-based research center;
  • Build partnerships with other researchers, federal agencies, practitioners and advocates in Kentucky to contribute to the national research agenda and to expand the knowledge base related to violence against women;
  • Promote scientific investigation into the legal, mental health, health and related aspects of violence against women through innovative research projects;
  • Fund research projects at the University of Kentucky through a Petit Research Grant Program in order to promote a broad interdisciplinary research capacity at the University;
  • Develop an interdisciplinary graduate certificate to provide students across the University the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in the clinical and legal complexities of violence against women;
  • Support development of discipline-specific instruction in Colleges across the University;
  • Support the work of rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs by offering leadership institutes, training opportunities and other support programs.

    The research agenda of the Center is designed further an understanding of the extent and impact of violence against women. The Center currently has several identified areas of research concentration, including:

  • The mental health and health effects of violence against women and associated interventions;
  • The association between substance use, addictions and violence against women;
  • Risk and protective factors associated with rape, domestic violence, stalking and psychological maltreatment;
  • Offender typology and clinical management;
  • The criminal and civil justice system response to domestic violence, rape, stalking and related crimes; and
  • Historically underserved populations.

    • In each of these areas, emphasis is given to research efforts which strengthen the practice of professionals and advocates as they respond to women harmed by violence and abuse, and to initiatives which build a strong collaboration between researchers and practitioners.

    For additional information on the UK Center for Research on Violence Against Women, visit www.rgs.uky.edu/crvaw or contact: Carol E. Jordan, Director, Center for Research on Violence Against Women, University of Kentucky 108 Bowman Hall Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0059, 859-257-2737.

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