At RESPOND, much of our work begins during moments of crisis. Many survivors come to us after an incident has already occurred. In those moments, our priority is clear: immediate safety, emotional support, and connecting people to resources.
As the Director of Domestic Violence Prevention Programs, I often ask: how could communities recognize domestic violence sooner? How can we connect people to help before a crisis occurs?
Prevention conversations in this field can be complex. It’s essential to remember that responsibility for abuse always lies with the person choosing to harm or control their partner. Survivors are never responsible for the violence committed against them. At the same time, stronger community awareness—among friends, family, peers, and young adults themselves—can make it easier for people to recognize unhealthy relationship dynamics and access support earlier.
This belief is at the heart of a new research collaboration between RESPOND and the Gordon College Graduate Public Health Program, focused on understanding domestic violence awareness among young adults in the Greater Boston area.
Why We’re Focusing on Young Adults
Young adults ages 18–24 experience some of the highest rates of dating violence. Yet many have limited opportunities to learn about healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, coercive control, or the resources available if they need help. This research project seeks to understand how young adults currently think about domestic violence—and what information they may be missing.
Do young people recognize emotional abuse or controlling behavior as forms of domestic violence? Do they know where local support services exist if they need them? Would they know how to help a friend experiencing abuse? Understanding these questions will allow RESPOND and our partners to design educational and outreach efforts that truly meet the needs of young adults in our community.
How We’re Listening
Through our partnership with Gordon College, we aim to survey up to 500 young adults aged 18–24 living in the Greater Boston area. Participants will be recruited through local colleges and
community programs and will complete a short electronic survey exploring their understanding of domestic violence and awareness of community resources.
But the research does more than collect data. Every participant will also receive information about domestic violence resources and ways to connect with support services. In this way, the survey itself helps increase awareness and access to help.
From Insight to Action
Once the data is collected, we will analyze responses to better understand how young adults define domestic violence, especially regarding power and control, and whether they know about available services. This insight is invaluable because it allows us to develop prevention strategies grounded in the data and the actual needs of the community.
If certain forms of abuse are less recognized, we can tailor educational messaging. If awareness of local services is low, we can strengthen outreach and build partnerships with colleges, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
The Power of Collaboration
Preventing domestic violence requires teamwork across sectors. This project reflects that approach. By partnering with Gordon College’s Graduate Public Health Program, we are combining research expertise and frontline experience to better understand how domestic violence impacts young adults. Once the data is analyzed, findings will be shared with community partners to ensure strategies are grounded in the realities of the communities we serve.
Leading the Conversation
By combining research, community engagement, and frontline expertise, we guide best practices, inform policy, and set the standard for prevention and awareness initiatives.
Our hope is that this research will not only inform RESPOND’s programs but also spark broader community conversations about supporting healthy relationships, recognizing abuse earlier, and ensuring that individuals experiencing violence know they are not alone.
We invite educators, advocates, and community partners to join us—because meaningful change starts with informed, collective action.
