Screen and Intervene: Cross-Cutting Violence Prevention for Transgender and Gender Diverse People


Principal Investigator:

Athena Sherman, PhD, PHN, RN, CNE | Emory University,Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Co-Investigator:

Don Operario, PhD | Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health

Partner Organizations:

Grady Memorial Hospital Gender Center, Ser Familia, Emory Healthcare Transgender Clinics

Why is this project important?

Violence is a nearly universal experience among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, particularly among people of color. This project addresses the high prevalence of gender-based violence and associated health disparities through community-based participatory action research. The procedural model developed will guide the implementation and sustainability of violence screening and prevention efforts, improving health outcomes for TGD populations. This cross-cutting violence prevention intervention and dissemination work has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the lives of TGD people in Atlanta, and beyond.

Key Contribution to Science:

Gender inequities have been demonstrated in evidence-based violence prevention involving screening and referral to services for TGD people. This project will identify barriers and facilitators to implementing culturally sensitive and gender-affirming screening and referral processes. It will also identify barriers and facilitators to culturally sensitive and gender-affirming social services geared toward violence prevention for TGD people.

Transgender and gender diverse people (TGD; people whose gender identity differs from that normatively expected of their sex assigned at birth) are vulnerable to multilevel forms of violence rooted in anti-transgender stigma. A growing number of public health research studies have described prevalent and diverse forms of TGD violence, with over 85% of TGD people experiencing some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. The Screen and Intervene project aims to address this urgent public health challenge by strengthening community-based health and social service capacities. This study will investigate opportunities to improve violence screening and connection to evidence-based interventions efforts in a) TGD-focused and b) general-population serving community-based organizations and develop the first-known procedural model based on identified targets to improve effectiveness and sustainability of said programs for TGD populations in both settings. This procedural model will provide an evidence-based guide to implement, improve, and sustain violence screening and intervention programs for TGD survivors of violence. This research will advance the evidence base and strengthen community capacities in cross-cutting violence prevention and connections to evidence-based intervention with TGD populations.

  • Characterize service implementation gaps and service user experiences regarding violence screening, prevention, and linkage/referrals for TGD people.
  • Develop and disseminate a procedural model for cross-cutting violence prevention and response for TGD populations, identifying specific targets for capacity development, training, community partnership, coalition building, and program implementation.