How contact with institutions affects family violence experiences in children

Institutional Contact and Family Violence in an Era of Mass Incarceration

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11109969

This study looks at how social services and law enforcement affect kids who experience family violence, aiming to understand their experiences better and find ways to improve support for families in need.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11109969 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of formal institutions, such as social services and law enforcement, on children's experiences of family violence. It aims to understand how these institutions, often perceived as punitive, influence the prevalence and consequences of violence in families. The study will involve qualitative interviews and mobile surveys with youth and parents who have interacted with these institutions, alongside analysis of existing data. By exploring these dynamics, the research seeks to develop better measurement tools and insights into the relationship between institutional contact and childhood exposure to violence.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and families who have had contact with social services, law enforcement, or juvenile justice systems.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced any form of institutional contact or family violence may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved protective measures for children exposed to family violence and better-informed policies regarding institutional interactions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the dynamics between institutional contact and family violence can lead to significant improvements in child welfare policies.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.