Current Projects
Statewide Violence Prevention Plan, funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), (2020-2029)
Since 2020, the Violence Prevention Research Lab (Principal Investigator: Dr. Rachel Garthe) was funded by ICJIA to lead the writing of the Statewide Violence Prevention Plan.
2025-2029 Plan: https://vpp.icjia.illinois.gov/
2020-2024 Plan: https://vpp.icjia.cloud/
Creating a Digital Ecosystem to Support Survivors and Reduce Gender-based Violence on College Campuses, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (2022-2026)
In collaboration with the Center for Social and Behavioral Science (CSBS), Principal Investigator Rachel Garthe, is leading a multidisciplinary effort to develop a capability to be used on the Illinois app, a mobile app used by University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff. The tool will have multiple uses and resources for those who have experienced gender-based violence.
Program Evaluation of Rape Prevention Education Statewide Initiative (2024-2028)
In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Dr. Garthe and team are engaged in evaluating a public health model in rape prevention strategies, cross-sector partnerships to support prevention, and data-informed decision making.
Archived Projects
“Using the life history calendar to examine young transgender women’s trajectories of violence, mental health, and protective processes” funded by National Institutes of Health (2021-2024)
Led by Dr. Jane Hereth, Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Dr. Hereth and team (Co-Investigators Dr. Rachel Garthe and Angie Kennedy) used an adapted life history calendar to examine young transgender women’s trajectories of victimization, help-seeking, and mental health.
“Amplifying the Voices of Domestic Violence Survivors” funded by Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2023-2024)
In partnership with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Dr. Garthe and team led focus groups with survivors of domestic violence throughout Illinois to inform services and supports.
Full report:
“Building a Community Without Domestic Violence: Discussing Relationships in Early Adolescence” funded by Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (2022-2025)
The VPRL conducted an evaluation of Between Friends Chicago’s Relationship Education: A Choice for Hope (REACH), a teen dating violence prevention program. Specifically, we evaluated their program in grades 6-8 on the South side of Chicago.
Victim Needs Assessment, funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
Exposure to violence and crime can have a detrimental impact on society and individuals. This report examined the need, access, use, and barriers of victim-centered services among Illinois residents. With a focus on feelings of empowerment and help-seeking behaviors, we surveyed and interviewed diverse groups of Illinois residents who themselves, or their family members, have been victimized or exposed to violence and crime.
https://icjia.illinois.gov/researchhub/articles/2022-victim-needs-assessment/
“The Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Stalking and Cyberstalking among College Students,” funded by the Center for Social and Behavioral Science (CSBS)
This project was designed to further the understanding of stalking and cyberstalking, including its prevalence, risk factors, and impact on health outcomes and help-seeking behaviors among college students.
“Understanding Middle School Student Needs to Support School Success” funded by Campus Research Board
Middle school is an important period for adolescents’ social and emotional development, as well as their academic development and mental health. Learning about these factors during middle school is critical for schools to understand the needs of their students and strengthen or add new programs, services, or supports for their students. The VPRL partnered with a school district to longitudinally assess middle schoolers’ mental health and experiences with violence.
Violence Prevention Research Lab 