This research study aims to learn more about the experiences of domestic violence victim- survivors in Pennsylvania. The research is being conducted by Emily Strohacker, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice at Penn State Harrisburg, in partnership with the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV), and the Center for Survey Research at Penn State Harrisburg. The goal of this study is to further examine the lived experiences of domestic violence victim-survivors, specifically focusing on the following topics:
- Barriers to reporting domestic violence generally
- Barriers to reporting to law enforcement specifically
- Unmet needs in victim services
- Differences between rural and urban barriers to reporting
Through this study, we intend to provide evidence for the need to further advance legislation, policies, and programs that promote a more equitable justice system and services for domestic violence victim-survivors.
We will need your help for this project to succeed!
In the next few weeks, our team will be sending information about how victim- survivors can share their experiences with us. We will be looking for domestic violence victim-survivors to participate in a short online survey and/or an in-depth, virtual one-on-one interview.
We ask that victim service organizations help us share this important work with victim- survivors. We hope to hear from as many victim-survivors in Pennsylvania as possible to ensure that we are collecting a variety of experiences.
If you have any questions about this study, please contact Emily Strohacker at ers50@psu.edu or 717-948-6053. We look forward to working with you on this important project!