Fall is a season of colors. Here in Colorado, the greens of summer give way to yellow aspens and cottonwoods. Grasses turn to auburn as trees across the front range offer majestic red and orange accents. By October, the fall color palette broadens to include many shades of purple — on pins and clothes asContinue reading “Put on Your Favorite Purple Clothes and Get to Know our Team!”
Author Archives: Anne P. DePrince, PhD
Sharing New Research Findings, Just in Time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Just in time for October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month (#DVAM), we’re excited to share new research findings with you on: Brain injury and intimate partner violence; Survivor-centered care; and Policy impacts on victim services. As you’ll see below, TSS Group team members developed posters that give background on the projects as well as describe resultsContinue reading “Sharing New Research Findings, Just in Time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month”
Welcoming fall and a new team member!
Happy fall from DU’s bustling campus where classes have started and a new academic year is in full swing! All that activity means that our first Traumatic Stress Studies (TSS) Group team meeting is now in the books. The vibe? Inspired, joyful, thrilled, motivated, and grateful. The first team meeting also gave us a chanceContinue reading “Welcoming fall and a new team member!”
The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
When someone hands you a microphone, it’s best to use it. Thanks to the University of Denver’s Center for Abuse, Prevention and Empowerment (CAPE) for inviting me to share a few remarks at their Gala on May 1, 2026, which benefitted the Survivor Fund. Here’s some of what I shared. Tonight is the CAPE Gala.Continue reading “The First Day of the Rest of Your Life”
Sexual Violence Doesn’t End with Aging
by Leah Waltrip, TSS Group Member Sexual violence against older adults is under-reported, under-researched, and widely misunderstood. Here is what the evidence tells us. Research consistently shows that reports of rape and sexual assault decline with age — but this does not mean victimization stops. Many major surveys have excluded adults over 60 entirely. The resultContinue reading “Sexual Violence Doesn’t End with Aging”
Surviving Across Borders: Immigration and Sexual Violence
by Betsy Serrano, TSS Group Member Note: Throughout this post, the terms “migrant”, “immigrant”, and “undocumented” are used. They are not universal labels, as each term represents a different experience. They are used intentionally to specific contexts and cited research. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), it’s important to examine the intersection of migration andContinue reading “Surviving Across Borders: Immigration and Sexual Violence”
Sexual Violence in the Lives of Black Women: #SAAM2026
by Courtney McCrimmon, TSS Group Member During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize the impact of sexual violence in Black women’s lives. Consider that: Over two-thirds (68.5%) of Black women report contact sexual violence, such as unwanted sexual contact, penetration, sexual coercion, and/or rape in their lifetime (Chen et al., 2023). More than a quarter (28.7%) of Black women are raped in theirContinue reading “Sexual Violence in the Lives of Black Women: #SAAM2026”
Taking Trauma Research Public, #SAAM2026 Edition
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM). Translating the awareness that we build each April into action is essential to preventing and responding to sexual assault in our communities. Our Traumatic Stress Studies (TSS) Group team believes that research has an important role to play in translating research into action. But that research has toContinue reading “Taking Trauma Research Public, #SAAM2026 Edition”
Economic Costs of Sexual Violence: #SAAM2026
by Amber Fredrick, TSS Group Member Among the many burdens of sexual assault are the economic costs. For example: Sexual violence contributes to preventable healthcare costs, lost income, legal expenses, and housing instability (Wessells & Kostelny, 2022). The economic consequences of sexual violence can persist for years, often compounding trauma and stress (Peterson et al.,Continue reading “Economic Costs of Sexual Violence: #SAAM2026”
Making Sense of Silence after Abuse: Understanding Research on Betrayal Trauma
Survivors don’t owe anyone their stories. Yet, when women do decide to share their stories years later, the delay can be used to sow doubt — to wonder why it took so long to for them to disclose what happened. Research on betrayal trauma can help people understand silence. And research on institutional courage canContinue reading “Making Sense of Silence after Abuse: Understanding Research on Betrayal Trauma”
