Using social networks to help sexual assault survivors reduce drinking
Official title: Leveraging Social Networks to Promote Sexual Assault Recovery and Reduce Drinking to Cope through a Web-Based Intervention
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11062487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating an online program to help college women who have experienced sexual assault by encouraging their friends and sorority sisters to offer support in healthier ways that don’t involve drinking, and it aims to see how well this program works in real life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $179,704 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AA028546-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are college women who have experienced sexual assault and are part of social networks where heavy drinking is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced sexual assault or are not engaged in social networks with heavy drinking norms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a web-based intervention aimed at supporting sexual assault survivors, particularly college women, by leveraging their social networks, such as sororities. The intervention seeks to promote supportive behaviors that are not associated with heavy drinking, which is common in these social circles. By collaborating with community stakeholders, the project will test the feasibility of this intervention through a pilot trial and explore how social network characteristics influence the adoption of healthier support behaviors. The goal is to enhance recovery and reduce alcohol use among survivors and their peers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide effective strategies for sexual assault survivors to cope without resorting to alcohol, leading to improved mental health and recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using social networks for behavioral interventions, suggesting that this approach could be effective in addressing similar issues.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaffe, Anna E. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Jaffe, Anna E.
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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.