Research Axes

Our programming focuses on three axes of research:

AXIS 1

INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE

This first axis aims to document the incidence and prevalence of sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems and when appropriate the co-occurrence of the two problems among the Quebec population. The work under axis 1 allows us to establish the extent of these social phenomena and to guide our studies on the models, profiles, risk and protective factors, and the associated consequences (axis 2) and interventions and decision-making processes (axis 3).

Theme 1.1 - Incidence and prevalence in the general population

Studies evaluating the number of cases of sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems and their appropriate co-occurrence in the general population (prevalence) or during a given period of time (incidence).

Theme 1.2 - Incidence and prevalence in specific populations

Studies evaluating the number of cases of sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems and their appropriate co-occurrence in specific clienteles. Targeted clienteles include populations with clinical symptoms, as well as vulnerable populations, that is, more likely to be exposed to sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems or populations that have not been studied to date to determine whether they are at risk.

AXIS 2

MODELING PROFILES, RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS, AND ASSOCIATED CONSEQUENCES

Under this axis, the studies aim to develop models in order to better understand the complex factors that are associated with sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems, as well as their co-occurrence. To do so, the modeling of the risk, protective factors and consequence, as well as the ecosystem and contextual factors influencing them is assessed at different developmental stages. Risk factors and consequences are studied in order to know those associated with the occurrence of sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems or their co-occurrence and the protective factors to know those that influence the trajectories of subsequent adaptation to eventually improve interventions.

Theme 2.1 - Profiles, risk and protective factors, and consequences associated with sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems in the general population

Development and validation of conceptual models from studies of the general population.

Theme 2.2 - Profiles, risk and protective factors, and consequences associated with sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems in specific populations

Development and validation of conceptual models focusing on specific populations. Targeted clienteles include populations with clinical symptoms, as well as vulnerable populations, that is, more likely to be exposed to sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems. These studies aim to determine the specificity of these populations compared to the general population.

AXIS 3

EFFECTIVENESS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES

Axis 3 derives from the knowledge acquired under the first two axes. It brings together three complementary research questions: (1) the development or implementation and evaluation of prevention or intervention programs dealing with sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems or their co-occurrence; (2) the study of clinical, administrative or socio-judicial decision-making to better understand decision-making factors. This research allows us to make specific recommendations in order to encourage the adoption of best practices aimed at reducing the human costs generated by these problems. (3) The development and validation of measurement tools for the Quebec population.

Theme 3.1 - Evaluation of programs of prevention or intervention in situations of sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems or their co-occurrence

Several prevention and intervention programs for sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems exist in Quebec. However, few of these programs have been evaluated for effectiveness and relevance. The evaluative studies of CRIPCAS therefore aim to increase the clinical and scientific validity of Quebec intervention programs with respect to sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems.

Theme 3.2 - Study of factors related to administrative, clinical, and socio-judicial decision-making in sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems or their co-occurrence

The studies aim to document the factors influencing decision-making in sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems or their co-occurrence in administrative, clinical and socio-judicial practices.

Theme 3.3 - Development and validation of measurement tools

The development and validation of measurement tools allows us to obtain valid instruments for the Quebec population that can be implemented in practice settings in order to increase the effectiveness of interventions with the clientele targeted by CRIPCAS research and used in research conducted under different axes.