Within the Laboratory for Interpersonal Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, we examine violence perpetration and victimization within, and after, intimate relationships, and how these experiences impact survivors. If you are interested in joining the laboratory, please see the link at the bottom of the page.
Here is some more information on Dr. Dardis’s research interests. For up-to-date information on her ongoing studies, please contact her at cdardis@towson.edu:
Technology and Intimate Partner Violence
Although new technologies have increased our ability to connect with others, these technologies have also been used by intimate and former intimate partners to harm others. For example, technology is sometimes used for surveillance and harassment (e.g., “cyberstalking” or cyber unwanted pursuit). Technology has also been used to engage in unique forms of sexual violence, known as image-based sexual abuse. This can include nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (NCD; sometimes called “revenge porn”). In our lab, we are interested in how technological forms of violence intersect with “traditional” or “in-person” forms of violence (physical, psychological, sexual).
Stalking
Although violence often begins during a relationship, it can often extend after a relationship ends, in the form of stalking or unwanted pursuit behaviors. I am interested in violence that might continue after a relationship ends (e.g., stalking or unwanted pursuit). In our research, we seek to understand what might predict stalking that occurs either in-person or through technology, how stalking and cyberstalking might be associated with other forms of IPV, how they impact survivors, and how we might intervene to prevent stalking and cyberstalking.
Reactions to Disclosure, Social Support, and Recovery
Those close to a survivor play an important role in recovery; however, not all support is equal. Sometimes, knowingly or unknowingly, when a survivor tells others about violence, they may receive blame or minimization of their experiences, or others may start to keep their distance. I am interested in exploring how various reactions to disclosures of violence can help to promote or impede trauma recovery.
Perceptions of IPV
The way we interpret a situation affects our behaviors and our emotions. I am interested in people’s perceptions of IPV—that is, what do people consider violence, and how does this impact their behavior? We know that many people who experience sexual violence that meets legal criteria for “rape” do not label themselves as victims— what causes this? How might this impact their recovery? In addition, we know that many young adults still ascribe to myths about rape, such as, “Women lie about rape,” or “She was asking for it”. How might holding such beliefs affect violent behaviors or an individuals’ willingness to help others who might experience violence?
Gender and IPV
Finally, I am interested in how gender and gender socialization intersects with experiences of interpersonal violence. Ways that we are socialized might lead us to be more (or less) likely to perpetrate violence, to reach out or receive social support following violence, or to experience PTSD or other psychological outcomes. Understanding how gender intersects with violence can help us to form strategies to prevent IPV and to better assist survivors.
If you are interested in obtaining research experience, please email Dr. Dardis at cdardis@towson.edu. Please fill out and send along an application (click here).