Exploring how alcohol and sexual communication affect intimate partner sexual violence in couples
Official title: Determining the Proximal and Temporal Effects of Alcohol and Sexual Communication on Intimate Partner Sexual Violence among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Couples
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10940511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol and talking about consent can affect the chances of sexual violence between partners, whether they are straight or part of the LGBTQ+ community, to help find better ways to prevent these situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $672,842 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA031666-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals in intimate relationships, particularly those who identify as sexual minorities or heterosexuals, who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner sexual violence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently in a relationship or who have not experienced intimate partner sexual violence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between alcohol consumption, sexual communication, and intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) among both sexual minority and heterosexual couples. It aims to identify how each partner's alcohol use and their communication about consent and refusal can influence the occurrence of IPSV. By employing rigorous experimental and longitudinal methods, the study seeks to fill critical gaps in understanding the predictors of IPSV, particularly focusing on the dynamics within couples. The findings could lead to a better understanding of the causes of IPSV and inform future prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and intervention strategies for intimate partner sexual violence, ultimately enhancing the safety and well-being of individuals in relationships.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on intimate partner violence, this study's focus on the interplay of alcohol and sexual communication in both sexual minority and heterosexual couples is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leone, Ruschelle Marie — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Leone, Ruschelle Marie
Related research
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Understanding how alcohol and how couples talk about consent affect intimate partner sexual violence
This project studies how alcohol use and how partners communicate about consent influence intimate partner sexual violence among sexual minority and heterosexual couples.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.