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Research & Evidence

References & Sources

Our content is grounded in research from reputable organizations, government agencies, and peer-reviewed sources.

Our Approach to Evidence

We believe that helpful information must also be accurate information. All content on this site is based on research and guidance from recognized authorities in domestic violence, trauma, mental health, and family wellbeing.

We summarize findings in plain language and avoid copying academic text verbatim. When content is based on emerging research or areas of ongoing study, we note this and encourage readers to explore further.

Note: This is an educational resource, not medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Please consult appropriate professionals for personal situations.

Domestic Violence & Abuse

National Domestic Violence Hotline

National nonprofit organization

Provides 24/7 support and resources for those affected by domestic violence. Their educational materials inform our definitions of abuse types, warning signs, and safety planning guidance.

thehotline.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

U.S. government public health agency

The CDC's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) provides key statistics on intimate partner violence prevalence, including data on male victims. Their research informs our understanding of abuse patterns and impacts.

cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)

National advocacy organization

Provides statistics, education, and policy information about domestic violence. Their fact sheets inform our content on abuse prevalence and impacts.

ncadv.org

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

U.S. Department of Justice

Federal office providing leadership on violence against women. Their resources on stalking, technology abuse, and legal protections inform our digital safety content.

justice.gov/ovw

National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)

National advocacy organization

Their Safety Net project is a leading resource on technology-facilitated abuse. Our digital safety content draws heavily from their guidance on device monitoring, location tracking, and online safety.

techsafety.org

Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs (DAIP)

Nonprofit program developer

Creators of the Duluth Model and the Power and Control Wheel, which provides a framework for understanding abuse patterns and tactics. This informs our patterns library and educational content.

theduluthmodel.org

Men as Victims of Abuse

ManKind Initiative

UK charity for male victims

Leading organization supporting male victims of domestic abuse. Their research and resources inform our understanding of unique barriers men face in recognizing and reporting abuse.

mankind.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Hotline - Help for Men

National helpline resource

Specific guidance and resources for men experiencing abuse, acknowledging the unique challenges they face in seeking help.

thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too

CDC NISVS Data on Male Victims

U.S. government research

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey provides statistics on male victimization, including that approximately 1 in 9 men experience intimate partner violence during their lifetime.

cdc.gov - Men and IPV

Trauma & Stress Responses

National Center for PTSD

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Provides research-based information on trauma, PTSD, and stress responses. Their educational materials inform our content on fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses.

ptsd.va.gov

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

U.S. government agency

Their trauma-informed care principles guide our approach to presenting sensitive content and supporting visitors who may be experiencing trauma.

samhsa.gov/trauma-violence

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

Professional organization

Professional organization advancing trauma research and treatment. Their public resources inform our educational content on trauma effects.

istss.org

Relationship Research

The Gottman Institute

Research-based relationship education

Decades of research on relationships and marriage, including the "Four Horsemen" of relationship problems and repair strategies. Their research informs our de-escalation and communication guidance.

gottman.com

The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center

HHS-funded resource center

Provides research-based resources on healthy relationship skills. Helps inform the distinction between normal relationship conflict and abusive patterns.

healthymarriageinfo.org

Children & Family Impact

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

SAMHSA-funded network

Provides research and resources on childhood trauma, including the effects of witnessing domestic violence. Their materials inform our content on how conflict affects children.

nctsn.org

Childhelp

National child abuse prevention organization

Provides resources on child abuse prevention and treatment. Their National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453) is a key resource we recommend for children and families.

childhelp.org

Child Welfare Information Gateway

HHS Children's Bureau service

Provides information on child welfare, including resources on domestic violence's impact on children and family resilience.

childwelfare.gov

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Research

CDC research program

The landmark ACE Study demonstrates how childhood exposure to violence and dysfunction affects long-term health outcomes. This research informs our understanding of why protecting children from adult conflict matters.

cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces

Hormones & Health (Educational)

Note: Our content on hormones is educational only and not medical advice. We provide general information to help people understand how hormonal changes can affect mood and behavior, while directing readers to healthcare providers for personal evaluation.

Mayo Clinic

Nonprofit academic medical center

Provides accessible, evidence-based health information. Their resources on hormone changes inform our educational content on menopause, perimenopause, and testosterone changes in men.

mayoclinic.org

Cleveland Clinic

Nonprofit academic medical center

Their Health Library provides educational information on hormonal conditions, stress hormones, and the physical effects of chronic stress.

my.clevelandclinic.org/health

American Urological Association

Professional medical association

Provides patient education on testosterone deficiency and male hormonal health, informing our educational content on andropause.

urologyhealth.org

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS)

Professional medical organization

Leading nonprofit organization for menopause research and education. Their resources inform our educational content on how hormonal changes can affect women.

menopause.org

Cultural & Community Resources

StrongHearts Native Helpline

Tribal coalition resource

Provides culturally-appropriate support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives affected by domestic violence.

strongheartshelpline.org

National Latino Network

Culturally-specific training and resources

Provides training and resources addressing domestic violence in Latino/a communities with cultural competence.

nationallatinonetwork.org

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

National resource center

Provides resources and training on gender-based violence in Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

api-gbv.org

Key Research Studies

In addition to organizational sources, our content is informed by published research. Key studies include:

Black, M.C., et al. (2011). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2010 Summary Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Foundation for IPV prevalence statistics

Felitti, V.J., et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.

Foundational ACEs research

Gottman, J.M., & Silver, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. New York: Crown Publishers.

Relationship research on conflict and repair

Stark, E. (2007). Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life. New York: Oxford University Press.

Framework for understanding coercive control

Walker, L.E. (1979). The Battered Woman. New York: Harper & Row.

Foundational work on cycle of violence

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