Bethany Backes uses multidisciplinary resources, including the criminal justice system, to examine how responses come together to support survivors of domestic abuse. Backes is currently researching the effectiveness of transitional housing for survivors and exploring how stable housing contributes to survivor outcomes.

“After someone gets victimized and hurt, what is that process like for them and how can our responses be improved?” Backes said. “I look at how they seek help, how our services are set up to respond and how we can make that process better not only for them in the short-term but also across the lifespan.”

• Bethany Backes