Domestic violence (DV) remains a critical social issue affecting millions globally. The latest statistics from Ventura County show that in 2021-2022, nearly 5,000 adults and over 2,000 children were impacted by domestic violence (Human Services Agency 2022). Survivors face various complex barriers on their path toward stability and independence after leaving abusive relationships. One of the most critical areas that impact survivors’ ability to establish independence from their abusers is economic security. Achieving economic stability is necessary, yet full of obstacles for DV survivors. As the literature shows, many perpetrators of abuse utilize tactics like sabotaging their partner’s employment, controlling financial assets, and purposely creating economic dependence as ways to maintain power and control in the relationship (Adams 2011; Lubker 2004; Postmus et al. 2012; Tarshis 2020). Survivors of domestic violence face a myriad of challenges as they seek safety and stability for themselves and their families. This research project aims to explore these barriers, with a specific focus on economic challenges and the role of support services in the journey towards economic security.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

In terms of taking care of children, women spend more time and energy than men, and as such often experience with work family conflict which is when define women will find it difficult to manage such situations due to mainstream ideals of work and family balance, which will increase the number of disputes regarding work and family for women. My research question examines whether the absence of support from a partner contributes to the work-family-conflict experienced by mothers. I hypothesized, that the more of support a partner contributes to the household chores but mostly childcare, to the less work-family-conflict experienced by mothers. Past research has established work family conflict as being part of high work demands, individuals’ perception and the lack of spouse support. I ask using the 2016 The National Study of the Changing Workforce. Conducting a secondary data analysis on a sample of 1,542 participants. For my sample, I restricted my sample to partnered women with children. I found that having a supportive partner who takes greatest responsibility for routine care of children the less a women will feel the obligation to put her personal or family life before her job. Many women feel obligated to do it all such as childcare nanny, spouse, and a mother all at the same time, having a supportive partner can reduce the stress of having to do it all and in fact will decrease battles of creating work family conflict. It is important we understand the battle a mother can face. I asked what is the relationship between the stereotypical roles of women and men, do women do it all? And do men put in the work. The implications of the study demonstrate that if a woman feels she is being helped and not overstimulated and could count on her spouse there will be significant decrease of work family conflict. I estimated a multiple T-test and found more support a mother has the less work family conflict she experiences. The point of this research is to prove the importance of organizations and individuals to understand the implications linked to work-family conflict.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

Domestic violence in the LGBTQ+ community can present a complex issue when compared to the Heterosexual community. Regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, anyone can fall victim of abuse. However, studies have shown that incidents of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community are underreported, possibly due to the insignificant number of services tailored to their needs. This study aims to compare domestic violence between sexual orientations; evaluate the sufficiency of support services received; and identifying gaps in support services and resources available to LGBTQ+ individuals. By applying a mixed-method approach, this research makes use of both qualitative and quantitative analysis by using data collection from the Family Justice Center’s database, and by analyzing existing literature. By analyzing this data, we will be able to see patterns in victimization rates, and evaluate services and resources offered by the Family Justice Center. Preliminary findings suggest potential differences in reported domestic violence cases between LGBTQ+ and heterosexual communities. Additionally, the research aims to explain whether resources and support services at the Family Justice Center are tailored more to the heterosexual community, potentially leaving LGBTQ+ victims with little to no services and resources. This study adds to a deeper understanding of the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face when trying to access support services when they fall victim of domestic violence. This research aims to connect the gap in services, and ensure equal access to resources for all victims of domestic violence, no matter the sexual orientation.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

An approved restraining order for domestic violence victims is important as it serves as a legal protection mechanism to ensure the safety of the victim. This restraining order establishes a legally enforceable boundary between the victim and the abuser. Domestic Violence victims can have multiple factors that influence the likelihood of them returning to a justice center for help. There are even cases where they are granted a restraining order against their offender and return months later. This qualitative research study aims to explore the relationship between restraining orders that are granted at a Family Justice Center and recidivism rates among individuals involved in domestic violence cases. The objective of the study is to gain a deeper understanding of how restraining orders affect the likelihood of the victim returning to the center. This research will apply a qualitative approach, utilizing information from the FJC Intake Data 2023. We will also be reading the notes of what happens in the process of receiving a granted restraining order. Consequently, multiple factors will also be taken into account: race/ethnicity, age,
language and gender.Restraining orders can be effective in reducing recidivism in connection to victims coming back to the center because their abuser reoffends. However, the effectiveness of a restraining order can depend on several factors like: the severity of the offense, if the abuser followed the order, or the availability of support services the victim counts on. Our research question is the following: What factors in regards to getting an approved Restraining Order affect the turnover rate for victims coming back to the Family Justice Center?

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

In a contemporary society, the pervasive influence of social media has become an unstopping aspect of daily life, particularly among young adults. Nowadays, social media has become part of our lives. The majority of people around the world use social media as a source of entertainment, to meet new people and interact with people. Many adolescents use social media for communication, self-expression, and staying connected with peers. However social media has an impact on body image and is complex. While it provides a platform for self-expression and body positivity movements, it can also contribute to unrealistic beauty standards as many individuals feel pressure to conform to these standards, leading to body dissatisfaction, comparison, and, in some cases, negative self-perception. I proposed the research question:  Does the type of social media platform using visual forms versus text-based forms have a statistically significant impact on the perception of pressure for women to conform to physical attractiveness I hypothesized that individuals who primarily use visual forms of social media will be more likely to perceive pressure for women to adhere to physical attractiveness standards, compared to those who primarily use text-based forms of social media. For this study I used secondary data analysis from Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel Wave 28 of 2017 all of the Americans (N= 4,971). I conducted a mean comparison test: t test and I found there is a significant difference between the type of social media platforms and the perception of pressure for women to confort physical attractiveness and thus my hypothesis was supported. In conclusion, the study supported the hypothesis that individuals who primarily use visual forms of social media are more likely to perceive pressure for women to conform to physical attractiveness standards compared to those who primarily use text-based forms.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

Toxic masculinity – the desire to dominate and compete with others in an aggressive manner to prove one’s manhood, as well as upholding sexist views – can lead to many consequences, such as sexual assault, harassment, and violence against women. People who adhere to this mindset believe that gender roles are natural and that men are overall superior to women. Hostile attitudes towards women fall under the umbrella of toxic masculinity. Studying these types of attitudes towards women is important, as it can help us to understand what behaviors lead up to sexual assault within relationships. In order to study this, I used the question: What is the relationship between hostile attitudes towards women and the likelihood of committing dating violence within a relationship? My hypothesis for this question was: When men’s hostile attitudes towards women are high, the likelihood of committing dating violence against their female partners will increase. The method I used for this study was secondary data analysis. I used the data set, International Dating Violence Study, conducted from 2001-2006. The sample for this study was 32 nations, but I restricted the sample to just American men. I estimated a t-test, and found that men who have hostile attitudes towards women are more likely to physically abuse their partners than men who do not hold these attitudes, supporting my hypothesis. This conclusion shows us that physical abuse towards women is linked to attitudes towards women in men. In understanding this, we can begin implementing plans to tackle the issue; such as providing young men with proper education about masculinity and how to respect women. In doing this, we can work towards stopping toxic attitudes towards women, thus putting a stop to violence towards women in relationships.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

Despite the fact that the issue of sexual harassment is becoming more widely recognized, it impacts women daily. Prior research states that sexual harassment is a way to establish power over women and that women who align themselves with feminism are harassed more. Previous research has examined how one’s likelihood of experiencing harassment is related to one’s gender, race and class, but not, to my knowledge, one’s political party. My research question was: Among women with a Bachelor’s degree or more, what is the effect of political party affiliation on the likelihood of being sexually harassed? I hypothesized that women who are affiliated with the Democratic party are more likely to be sexually harassed than women who are affiliated with the Republican party, this is because I conducted secondary data analysis using PEW Research Center’s 2018 Wave 32 American Trends Panel survey with a sample size of 1,387 women who have a Bachelor’s degree or more, who stated that they have or have not been sexually harassed and were affiliated with either the Democrat or Republican party. I ran a Chi-Square test to see if my hypothesis was correct, to which it was proven true. My finding was that women with a Bachelor’s degree or more who are affiliated with the Democratic Party were sexually harassed more than those affiliated with the Republican Party. The implication of my finding shows that women who align themselves with a party that stands with feminism will be sexually harassed more.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

Sports teach and train us to create a relationship with ourselves mentally, and physically, and help by overcome obstacles we face but, are sports equally beneficial for all who play them? I ask whether females and males experience the same benefits in a sports club and analyze the effects of participating in sports and if they are the same for both males and females. I predict that males will have a positive effect on males while in a sports club. I will be using secondary data analysis of 13,781 participants in sports clubs through the 2018 General Social Survey. From this research, I found that my hypothesis was supported by nearly half of males having a more positive effect from playing in a sports club. Since we have a better outcome of males playing sports we should find out the reason why it is more prevalent for males and start implementing those reasons in greater volumes in females in sports clubs to have the same positive outcome.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

Domestic violence remains a prevalent issue affecting individuals and families worldwide, with mothers and their children often bearing the brunt of its devastating consequences. In this study, we are aiming to investigate the effectiveness of restraining orders for domestic violence victims who are mothers and whether this effectiveness for these mothers differs by race. The significance of this topic lies in its potential to enhance the protection and safety of vulnerable populations, empower victims, and contribute to the prevention of further harm for both the child and the mother. Drawing upon existing literature and theoretical frameworks on domestic violence and legal interventions, they explore the dynamics of abuse and how it affects the victim especially with children or while being pregnant, as well as the role of restraining orders as a protective measure.
This research question focuses on the extent to which restraining orders effectively remove the perpetrator from the situation and ensure the safety of victims and their children. Methodologically, we will be using a quantitative approach, utilizing intake data from the Family Justice Center (FJC), located in Ventura. We will also be examining the restraining order narratives provided by the FJC. Preliminary findings suggest that while restraining orders can provide temporary relief and legal recourse for victims, challenges such as enforcement inconsistencies, racial issues, and barriers to accessing services still exist. Some anticipated findings include insights into factors influencing the efficacy of restraining orders as they pertain to mothers and differences in race.
Ultimately, this study aims to provide insight for the Family Justice Center and enhance the effectiveness of legal interventions in protecting all domestic violence victims and their children, thereby contributing to the broader goal of creating a better understanding of any gaps that may occur for other domestic violence victims who aren’t mothers and to understand why these differences occur.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology

Restraining orders (ROs) are pivotal legal mechanisms safeguarding victims of domestic violence from further harm. They represent a critical step in empowering victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Family Justice Center (FJC) offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to domestic violence victims, including legal aid and counseling.

Among the FJC’s services, the RO intake class plays a significant role. This class aims to educate victims on ROs, legal procedures, and available support services, empowering them and enhancing their understanding of their rights.

This research explores the impact of completing the RO intake class on the success rates of obtaining restraining orders for domestic violence victims served by the Ventura County DA’s FJC. Specifically, it examines the efficacy of this educational intervention in facilitating RO success. Notably, the study analyzes the role of language in class success rates, revealing that out of the participants, 55 were English-speaking victims, while only 6 were Spanish-speaking victims.

Through statistical analysis, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of FJC’s support services and broader efforts to combat domestic violence in Ventura County. Additionally, it will shed light on the significance of language accessibility in ensuring equitable access to crucial legal resources and services for all domestic violence victims.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Sociology