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1, Gender-based violence (GBV) has devastating effects on survivors’ mental, emotional, psychological, physical, and financial well-being. In rural communities, cultural stigma, isolation, lack of services, economic deprivation, and poverty can create additional barriers for survivors to seek help and leave their abusive relationships. Economic advocacy is a survivor-centered approach that addresses poverty and economic insecurity in ending GBV and empowers individuals and communities with the necessary resources and skills. In this review article, the researchers aim to identify survivors’ unique challenges in rural communities, especially in economic hardship and financially dire situations. While the empirical research examined in this review has provided valuable insights, it is worth noting that the original authors did not explicitly present policy recommendations that directly address the nuanced intersection of rural contexts, economic deprivation, and solutions. This observation emphasizes the innovative nature of deriving policy suggestions by synthesizing existing research. By examining the literature, the researchers recommend addressing the issue by developing effective and comprehensive policies and interventions that address survivors’ unique needs and circumstances related to economic independence and financial freedom.

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu, 1, Trauma-informed practices recognize the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and the need to deliver services that avoid re-traumatization. In the context of the mainstream court system, trauma-informed care is crucial for ensuring that individuals who have experienced trauma are treated with compassion and understanding. Trauma-informed care can help court officials recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, including the triggers that can cause individuals to experience distress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, and take steps to address those triggers. The purpose of this research is to map the degree and extent of trauma-informed practices in two judicial districts within the criminal and juvenile court systems in Kansas. By mapping the results, we identified areas where trauma-informed practices are already being implemented effectively, as well as gaps and need for improvements. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions to increase the implementation of trauma-informed care practices throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Revision uploaded 11/21/2023

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu, Criminal opportunity and its relation to crime has been the focus of criminological research over the past several decades; other studies have shown that substance abuse also influences crime. However, limited attention has been paid to how substance abuse increases criminal opportunity especially in rural communities and among college populations. Drawing on theoretical discussion, the researcher conducted a qualitative study by examining the behavioral characteristics of substance abuse amongst college-aged students in Hays, Kansas, a rural college town in Northwest Kansas. Hays has a neighborhood close to the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) campus that is highly populated with college students and yields the highest crime rates. This area is perceived by the public as having frequent incidents of substance abuse responsible for crime. The student population in this area was studied to determine behaviors indicative of substance abuse and how criminal opportunity relates to these behaviors. Systematic qualitative observations were used to collect data for this study.

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu, A needs assessment for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) is a process of identifying the specific needs and requirements of survivors of GBV. This includes understanding their physical, psychological, social, and economic needs and the services and support systems available/unavailable to them. A statewide survey was conducted to measure the perceptions of various stakeholders regarding the needs of individuals who have experienced violence and abuse. To measure the service needs from stakeholders who are directly and indirectly working with survivors, it will be insightful for researchers to identify the scope and nature of GBV, gaps in existing services, best practices and successful interventions, the diverse needs of survivors, and barriers to accessing services. Identifying these key factors can help researchers and practitioners to develop effective preventions, interventions, and support programs that meet the specific needs of survivors.

1, Abstract: Understanding the prevalence and service needs of underserved populations affected by gender-based violence (GBV) is crucial, as their experiences are often underreported, and existing services frequently fall short of effectively addressing their needs. In this presentation, "underserved populations" refers to historically marginalized, underrepresented, and inadequately supported groups as victims of GBV. The presentation examines various services, including direct forms like shelter and advocacy, and indirect approaches such as systemic interventions and policy reform. Conducted in a Midwestern state, the presentation involved insights from advocates, victim shelter staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals, totaling 41 responses. Findings reveal significant service disparities, especially in rural areas, due to insufficient funding and support infrastructure, exacerbated by factors like isolated locations and victim-blaming attitudes. Addressing these disparities requires improving service accessibility in rural areas and advocating for comprehensive statewide policies to support survivors.

1, This research investigates survivors' experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) through qualitative interviews. Using semi-structured interviews, the study explores survivors' emotional landscapes, coping mechanisms, support systems, resilience, reflections, growth strategies, and feedback. Emphasizing safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed spaces, seven interviews were conducted, lasting 60 to 75 minutes each, prioritizing participant comfort. Through this qualitative inquiry, the study aims to enhance understanding of GBV survivors' experiences and inform the development of support interventions.

1, While the public debates whether law enforcement has a problem with mis- or over-using force, the field lacks critical information concerning how often officers use force in their dealings with citizens. Consequently, the various reforms proposed have little evidence supporting them. Using data from Mapping Police Violence combined with census and LEOKA data, we examine the impact of U.S. Supreme Court jurisprudence and the restrictions that each state placed on law enforcement’s ability to use force and what constituted reasonable force within each state. We found that while the state’s population size and violent crime rate were consistently strong predictors of the number and rate of officer-involved deaths, the state legal restrictions on use of force had negligible effects. This has important implications for discussions around reforming use of force in the U.S