Dr. Gillum’s research interests are in exploring and addressing intimate partner violence/dating violence (IPV/DV) within racial/ethnic minority and sexual minority populations, development of culturally specific prevention and intervention efforts, health clinic based IPV interventions and the health effects of IPV/DV victimization. Dr. Gillum is a community psychologist who conducts community based research and utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods in her research endeavors. She serves on the editorial board for the international journal, Violence Against Women, and is a steering committee member of the national Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community (IDVAAC).
As many as 25% - 31% of women report experiencing IPV in their lifetime. In addition, there exists a high prevalence of dating violence among our nation’s youth, with research supporting sexual minority youth being at increased risk for experiencing this violence. Individuals victimized by IPV/DV are at increased risk for a number of adverse mental and physical health outcomes and increased engagement in high-risk behaviors, warranting attention to this public health concern. The literature identifies culturally specific factors that contribute to IPV/DV among racial/ethnic minority and sexual minority populations. Targeted, culturally specific prevention efforts targeting these communities are necessary to adequately address this issue.