What is the Empower Lab?
We are a clinical research and advocacy lab that studies the intersection between sexual and gender-based violence and health. Issues we address include but are not limited to sexual violence, sex trafficking, intimate partner violence, female genital cutting, and military sexual trauma. Our research aims to bring greater awareness to the issue of sexual and gender-based violence, which is a traditionally under-researched area of public health. We advocate for preventing SGBV and finding ways to better support survivors and victims of SGBV from both clinical and public health perspectives.
Our Approach
Who works in the Empower Lab?
We value giving research opportunities to communities traditionally underrepresented in scientific research. We seek to hire people from a variety of backgrounds, with the goal to create a diverse team of research assistants who can learn and flourish together.
Why focus on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and trauma informed care?
There is too little research devoted to SGBV and trauma-informed care. SGBV is a traditionally under-researched public health issue that we are passionate about for many reasons. SGBV affects a wide variety of people daily and impacts survivors long term. People who have experienced trauma have specific care needs as a result of these traumatic experiences, which is called trauma-informed care. We believe care goes beyond physical health and should include psychological care, social support, and economic empowerment, among other types of services. There is so much more that can be done for people affected by SGBV. We devote our research to preventing SGBV, and supporting those who have experienced SGBV, to create the change we hope to see in the world.
How is this research intersectional?
Intersectionality describes the lived experience of people affected by issues of gender and racial oppression. In our research we acknowledge the unique needs of people who embody multiple identities which are oppressed in society. Such identities may include, but are not limited to: women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, or those involved in the sex trade. We hope our research can find ways to better support populations who experience the intersection of multiple types of oppression from both clinical and public health perspectives.
Our Policy Agenda
Exploring the importance of comprehensive trauma-informed healthcare services: Survivors of gender-based violence need trauma-informed care in primary care and gynecology, as well as a wide range of specialties and sub-specialties. Current health care provider training on gender-based violence focuses on identifying victims, rather than on providing care that supports the health needs of survivors. Many medical providers are not comfortable addressing sexual violence and trauma in the provision of care. Expanding access to health care and supportive services for survivors of gender-based violence is critical. Services must be tailored to their needs and with respect to their experience. More medical professionals must be trained, not only on screening and identification but specialized care that follows these principles.
Conducting clinical public health research that focuses on the experiences of survivors of gender-based violence: Gender-based violence – which includes intimate partner violence, sex trafficking and female genital cutting - is difficult to measure. As a result, the prevalence is under-reported and the impact is not well understood. Research is needed to better understand the experiences of survivors, their medical and social needs, and best practices for trauma-informed service provision. The EMPOWER lab conducts research to increase the body of evidence-based clinical knowledge, providing evidence for trauma-informed services and guidelines for clinical practice. Measuring the impact of gender-based violence on health and life of women is an important step for improving health outcomes for survivors.
Bringing attention to the intersection of gender-based violence and immigrant Americans: Many women experiencing gender-based violence are immigrant woman. Immigration status and sexual trauma can serve as a barrier to reporting instances of gender-based violence, and to seeking care. It is important that health service providers serving women recognize the barriers that immigration status can impose and work around them to provide women with quality care. This includes providing culturally competent services, economic support, and education in navigating the healthcare system in order to address the intersectional nature of gender-based violence.
Protecting the rights and dignity of survivors of gender-based violence: Care provided to survivors of gender-based violence must promote their rights and reflect their cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, discussion of survivors’ needs – including medical, social, educational, and legal needs - should be informed by the survivors themselves. The viewpoints and voices of survivors must take center stage in advocacy, so that survivors can regain the power and sense of self they lost in their moments of trauma, and thereby become active participants in their healing process. It is crucial for service providers - medical, social, legal, and governmental – to work together and alongside survivors of gender-based violence. Through collaboration, we aim to empower survivors by amplifying their voices and promoting their right to culturally-sensitive care.
Destigmatizing the experiences of women who have experienced sexual trauma: Survivors of sexual trauma often experience marginalization, stigmatization, isolation, and feelings of guilt and shame. These factors interfere with reintegration, and establishment of financial and social stability. We strive to increase public awareness of the prevalence of gender-based violence and address issues of sexual- and gender-based violence with consideration for the culture and communities of survivors.