Funded Research
RFA-CE-20-003: Research Grants for Preventing Violence and Violence Related Injury (R01) – Adverse Childhood Experiences
Institution – Research Triangle Institute; Principal Investigator – Dr. Phillip Graham
Community disadvantage and disorganization are risk factors for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that can negatively affect children’s physical and behavioral health. The Adverse Community Experiences and Resilience (ACE/R) violence prevention framework implemented in Milwaukee will be evaluated for its prevention of child abuse and neglect and youth violence. The comparative effectiveness of ACE/R with community organizing strategies will be examined in four communities along with implementation barriers and facilitators. Findings could inform approaches to strengthen community resilience and prevent multiple forms of violence experienced by youth.
Institution – University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Principal Investigator – Dr. Katie Edwards
Violence disproportionately affects American Indian and low-income communities, and few prevention approaches break the cycle of violence in high risk families. Cultural adaptations and integration of multiple approaches, including the Strengthening Families Program, economic empowerment, and bystander interventions, will result in a program called Was’ake Tiwahe (Lakota for “strong families”). The program will be pilot tested and rigorously evaluated with a randomized controlled trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. Impacts on youth’s adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and intimate partner violence experienced by their caregivers will be assessed before, immediate post-, and 8-months following implementation of the program. Program development and evaluation results have the potential to advance dual generation violence prevention approaches and address gaps in approaches for vulnerable populations.
Institution – Prevent Child Abuse America; Principal Investigator – Dr. Jeffry Klika
Addressing the conditions in which families and children live, particularly during high-risk periods, could improve health and safety. The effects of paid family leave and early childcare policies, such as provision of subsidies and preschool, will be rigorously evaluated for their impacts on child abuse and neglect and intimate partner violence. Variations by race/ethnicity and effects on risk factors, such as poverty and unemployment, will be examined. Results could inform policy approaches and help families provide safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments.