FOCUS
Shana’s research explores alternative justice approaches for survivors of intimate and interpersonal violence and, more specifically, how those approaches mitigate racial/ethnic health disparities for survivors, offenders, and their communities. She is passionate about the potential life-changing prospects of both genuine validation and giving voice to survivors around what justice means to them. Shana is particularly focused on understanding women of color’s experiences of interpersonal violence, how their intersectional identities impact their disclosure patterns, and how alternative justice approaches can better meet the needs of both survivors and offenders of color.
MORE ABOUT SHANA
Shana received her undergraduate and graduate education in rural Appalachia. Since obtaining her MSW, she worked as a researcher at IDVSA at the University of Texas at Austin. Shana also worked in direct practice and at a domestic violence shelter. She now uses her experiences working with these communities to further explore issues of interpersonal violence, specifically for women of color, and how alternative justice approaches can give voice to survivors and mitigate racial/ethnic disparities.
DISSERTATION GRANT AWARDEE — WINTER 2024
Epistemic Injustice and Silencing of Violence Against Black Women and Girls: Testing Cultural Betrayal Trauma Theory
This dissertation seeks to unpack the complex interplay between race and gender in intimate partner violence (IPV), conceptualize experiences through epistemic injustices, and position a call for radical healing and abolishing barriers to social epistemological contribution. By analyzing psychological and physical health outcomes and contextualizing the complexity of experiences through an epistemological genealogy narrative this research will provide insights into implications of IPV on Black women.
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