Gender-Based Violence Research Group

The Gender-Based Violence Research Group (GBVRG) is Dr. Millan AbiNader’s research lab. Dr. AbiNader performs multi-methods research to understand the social ecology of GBV, with particular attention to intimate partner violence-related fatalities. The lab’s work centers on the question: How and to what extent do relationships, systems, and communities hinder or expand opportunities for survivors of and those who perpetrate GBV to heal and change? The GBVRG works on a variety of projects, from collaborating with local anti-violence nonprofits on program evaluation to quantitative analysis of national administrative data. 

AREAS OF SCHOLARSHIP

Microsystem Research: Individuals & Relationships

This area of research examines the characteristics of individuals and relationships that contribute to GBV, specifically focusing on intimate partner violence-related fatalities, including homicides and suicides. We aim to address questions such as:

  •  Who engages in fatal violence within the context of intimate partner violence?

  • What circumstances and risk factors typically precede instances of fatal violence?

  • How does the use of coercive control influence the outcomes of victim-survivors?

Exosystem Research: Organizations & Communities

Organizational responses and community contexts significantly influence how survivors access support and safety, as well as how individuals who use violence receive assistance for healing and change. GBVRG collaborates closely with organizations to evaluate their programs and community needs and uses our research to inform intervention development.  We focus on two main areas of research: GBV surveillance and vicarious trauma (the effects of trauma exposure on first responders, victim advocates, and others working in the trauma field). Our goal is to address questions such as: 

  • How can we estimate the prevalence of GBV? Can we improve this process? 

  • What organizational policies can support workers in managing their exposure to trauma? 

Macrosystem Research: Society

Cultural norms, policies, media coverage, technological advances, and historical events all shape how, and if, GBV occurs. We examine how community characteristics such as place and space affect individuals' and communities' experiences of GBV. We are interested in questions like:

  • How does variation in population density affect GBV incidence?

  • What can we learn about responses to sexual violence from the language used in media coverage of trials?

  • Do policies (e.g., firearm restrictions, social welfare policies, criminal-legal codes) effectively disrupt GBV?