DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire was one of nine organizations across the country to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to conduct research that explores the most effective approaches to providing support and services to victims from underserved and marginalized populations.

The nine grants are the first projects in the OVW’s research and education initiative, an effort to support researcher-practitioner partnerships that can identify effective strategies and lead to sustainable ways of responding to sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and stalking, and reducing the harmful impact of these crimes on victims and communities.

UNH’s Prevention Innovations Research Center received nearly $400,000 to study a trauma-informed residential program in Phoenix, Ariz., for victims of domestic violence who struggle with substance use disorders. For more than 13 years, the Support, Education, Empowerment and Directions (SEEDs) program, a transitional housing project of the National Advocacy and Training Network, has provided a safe, sober living environment committed to the physical, mental, and emotional healing of women whose lives have been affected by substance abuse and violence.

“Although substance use disorders and domestic and sexual violence against women co-occur at high rates, they are infrequently addressed in tandem,” said Katie Edwards, assistant professor of psychology and a principal investigator on the grant. “This grant will allow us to learn more about what makes the program successful and how to help more women with histories of addiction and victimization, in part, through highlighting women’s strength and resilience.”

Edwards and Sharon Murphy, associate professor emerita of social work, will lead the research in partnership with the agency. An in-person survey as well as follow-up surveys at six and 12 months will be conducted with approximately 100 women in the program. The research team also includes Ronald Harvey (American University in Bulgaria), Sarah Ullman (University of Illinois Chicago), and Hong Chang (Tufts University), who possess expertise in sober living homes, health outcomes associated with sexual assault experiences, and biostatistics, respectively.

“Preliminary research with women involved in the community highlights its unique benefits and a more in-depth evaluation of the program will allow us to create replicable evidence-based practices,” said Murphy.

“We see every day how SEEDs helps women and their families achieve self-sufficiency and live healthy and productive lives free of violence and abuse,” said MonaLou Callery, director of the program. “We’re pleased to participate in a process that will help to document its success and help us do our work better.”