Research

Dr. Stephanie’s research on early warning signs of domestic violence has led to life-changing results!

For her dissertation research, Dr. Stephanie Lang conducted in-depth interviews with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence while also examining nonviolent comparison cases. Dr. Stephanie’s initial research spanned over two years, during which time she collected over 150 hours of extensive interview data.

Building upon her findings from the original study (Lang, 2011), Dr. Stephanie’s ongoing “See the Pink” research project seeks to establish whether or not the original findings can be used to inform understanding about other at-risk groups.

Dr. Stephanie is seeking to interview more people about the earliest stages (from the first meeting through early exclusivity) of their relationships that turned violent (whether it was the woman or man or both parties who turned violent). She is also continually seeking to interview—for comparison cases—those who had relationships that remained nonviolent but turned distressed (whether or not those relationships have ended) and those whose relationships have remained both nonviolent and happy. It is possible to be interviewed about more than one relationship.

Dr. Stephanie is especially interested in interviewing clients who meet these criteria:

• Those who kept a journal during the early phases of the relationship.

• Those where both members of the couple would agree to be interviewed separately or together.

• Those who are part of the LGBT—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender—community.

Participating in Dr. Stephanie’s research involves:

• Completing an initial information packet; this can be done either in writing or verbally.

• Interviewing with the researcher for a total of approximately 3 – 6 hours. These interviews may be divided into two or three shorter interviews depending on participants’ schedules. The interviews will be audiotaped and/or videotaped (with participants’ permission) and can be done in person or over the phone.

If you are interested in being part of this research by describing the earliest phases of your prior or present relationship (or if you know someone who might be interested), please contact Dr. Stephanie to discuss setting up an interview.

If you would like to help collect participants, please click here for a downloadable flyer to display at your place of employment or school. Dr. Stephanie greatly appreciates any help provided in locating more participants for research on the early warning signs of domestic violence.

Additional Research by Dr. Stephanie

Dr. Stephanie is also conducting ongoing research that relates to the earliest warning signs of sex offending and/or sexual abuse. To further this research, Dr. Stephanie is collecting participants for this study as well. If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact Dr. Stephanie and indicate which study you are interested in.