Center for the Study & Prevention of Gender-Based Violence at UD

09/02/2026

Violence is constantly happening in all our communities. And while that violence impacts all of us, it is the people who were harmed who carry the burden. They must now navigate their communities knowing the harm they experienced, seeing those who harmed them or did not help, and knowing that our communities are not set up to prevent or protect those who have experienced harm. How do we improve communities to lessen the burden on those who have experienced harm? In our latest episode with Angie and Earl from the Center for the Study & Prevention of Gender-Based Violence at UD, we discuss just this! Find it now wherever you get your podcasts or on our website 👇!

08/28/2026

“So far, something I’ve learned that has surprised me is how many people are willing to get involved and help people in need.”

We’re excited to highlight Sophia Leggett, a Criminal Justice and Women and Gender Studies major with a Domestic Violence Prevention Studies concentration, and minor in Sociology.

Practicum placement: CHILD, Inc. Domestic Violence Program.

As an intern, Sophia serves as an advocate for victims of domestic violence. She works in the shelter, responds to domestic violence hotline calls, supports shelter residents, and manages Medical-Legal Partnership referrals across multiple programs. One of the highlights of her internship has been the opportunity to write a grant report for one of the program’s funders, which provided valuable insight into the organization’s work. Each day brings something different, from organizing to running errands that support shelter operations, making every day a unique learning experience.

To her, the most meaningful part has been seeing the gratitude expressed by clients. She finds it incredibly rewarding to know that her support can make a difference in someone’s life, even in small ways.

08/26/2026

When we have children in our community who experience abuse, the harm does not just stop with the victims. Those victims grow up. Those victims have relationships and families. Those experiences when they are a child, have ripple effects that can last a lifetime for them and for those around them. In our episode this past week with Angie and Earl from the Center for the Study & Prevention of Gender-Based Violence at UD, we discuss how abuse impacts not only the victims but the community as a whole! Find it now wherever you get your podcasts or at our website 👇!

08/24/2026

“My experience this summer has given me a greater appreciation for all the moving parts involved in helping survivors navigate Delaware’s Family Court system.”

We’re excited to highlight Madeline McGlothan, a Psychology and Women and Gender Studies major with a Domestic Violence Prevention Studies concentration.

Practicum placement: Family Court.

As an intern at Delaware Family Court, she monitors Protection From Abuse (PFA) proceedings, participates in policy improvement initiatives, and helps identify ways to better support self-represented individuals navigating the system. She finds it especially rewarding to see how behind-the-scenes work directly improves outcomes for individuals and families.

She has also been surprised by the level of collaboration required to support survivors throughout the civil process. From court staff and advocates to commissioners, each person plays an important role in helping survivors navigate the Family Court system, reflecting the court’s shared commitment to serving others.

08/20/2026

We’re excited to highlight Mo Bossi, a Women and Gender Studies major with a Domestic Violence Prevention Studies concentration, and minor in Dance.

Practicum placement: Newark Police Department victims unit and Domestic Violence Advocacy Program (DVAP).

As an intern, Mo provides advocacy for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and spends time helping victims acquire Protection from Abuse orders.

For Mo, the most meaningful moments come when clients express their appreciation and she sees the impact of the support she provides.

08/18/2026

Domestic violence is always a choice. It isn't because they were drinking, or stressed, or have experienced it in the past. It is a choice. Abusive people make the choice to not harm or abuse other people in their lives every day, just like they make the choice to harm or abuse their partner.

Hear the rest of our conversation with Angie and Earl from Center for the Study & Prevention of Gender-Based Violence at UD wherever you get your podcasts or on our website!

08/14/2026

“At DVAP our goal is to help our clients heal and find peace and protection. ”

We’re excited to highlight Genevieve Green, a Psychology & Women and Gender Studies major with a concentration in Domestic Violence Prevention Services and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences.

Practicum placement: Domestic Violence Advocacy Program (DVAP).

As an intern, Genevieve helps individuals file Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and gives resources to help them heal and restart. She finds the empathy, dedication, and compassion of advocates extremely meaningful and is grateful to create positive change.

She has been surprised by the resilience of clients and the strength they demonstrate, and has been impacted by seeing individuals remain committed to seeking protection. She has also seen challenges within the system, including instances where the PFA process is used for reasons other than seeking protection, which can divert time and resources away from those who genuinely need protection and support.

08/10/2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate Bailey Blewitt on being selected for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program, beginning this fall in Taiwan.

She was inspired to apply for the ETA Program by her desire to experience life abroad and broaden her perspective. She first learned about the opportunity from a graduate student at the Center her sophomore year, and it quickly became a long-term goal.

During her year abroad, Bailey hopes to become fluent in Mandarin, gain teaching experience she can carry throughout her career, and immerse herself in Taiwanese culture by exploring its history, food, social justice issues, and natural landscapes.

At the Center, Bailey is especially proud of the research paper she completed with Dr. Hattery and Dr. Smith. The project provided an immersive research experience early in her college career and helped shape her academic and professional path.

She credits the Center as the most influential part of her educational journey. She says it taught her to critically examine power structures and interpersonal dynamics—skills she’ll carry with her to Taitung, where the Center’s emphasis on equity and justice will help her connect with students and the local community.

Congratulations, Bailey! We can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish during your Fulbright experience and beyond. Read more about the nine UD students and alumni that were selected as Fulbright Scholars, at the link in our bio.

08/10/2026

Our very own Dr. Hattery and Dr. Smith were featured on the Touchy Subjects Podcast earlier this week, where they spoke about gender-based violence in sports.

Listen to the episode at Touchysubjectspodcast.com!

Sports is one of the most consumed forms of entertainment in the United States, yet many of these sports rely on and, some, even celebrate violence. Further, because these athletes are often idols to many, when they perpetrate violence, it is often ignored or pushed under the rug. This week we sit down with Angie Hattery, PhD. and Earl Smith, Ph.D. from the Center for the Study & Prevention of Gender-Based Violence at UD to discuss sports culture, violence in sports, and how and why so many of these athletes get away with causing harm off the field. You can find this episode NOW wherever your get your podcasts or on our website! 👇

08/07/2026

“I have enjoyed watching and helping Officers provide resources, information, and support to help people reenter the community successfully. It wasn’t a part of the job I expected, but it’s one of the most valued aspects of probation— and my favorite!”

We’re excited to highlight Mackenzie Sockriter, a Sociology & Women and Gender Studies major with a concentration in Domestic Violence Prevention Services.

Practicum placement: Adult Probation and Parole.

As an intern, Mackenzie is learning the policy and processes involved in community supervision at various levels. She assists with office visits, assessments, reports, treatment referrals, and attends various court proceedings.