The themes and
research axes
of CRIPCAS

Our research themes

CRIPCAS's programming aims to understand the issues associated with interpersonal violence and relationship difficulties in individuals, couples and families at all life cycles. Our recent studies have shown that sexual violence and the co-occurrence of other forms of interpersonal violence affect the development of children who are victims, and that as adults, they are at risk of experiencing difficulties in their intimate relationships, as well as physical and psychological health problems.

Couples and intimate relationships

North American population surveys reveal that half of all unions end in separation, and a third of these involve significant relationship distress. Our Quebec studies converge, revealing the presence of violence from the very first romantic relationships. While the quality of intimate relationships is a crucial predictor of people's quality of life and longevity, intimate relationships are more than ever weakened by multiple factors. Relationship problems tend to lead to or exacerbate significant difficulties (e.g. mental, physical, financial), as well as being linked to a range of deleterious effects on children; these chaotic environments increase the risk of abuse, including sexual violence.

Sexual violence

Our studies align with global statistics suggesting that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced sexual violence before adulthood. However, the prevalence of sexual violence remains underestimated, as it is often underreported. Yet, the repercussions for those who have experienced it are multiple, and without intervention, they can persist into adulthood, leading to relational difficulties for some. Our work sheds light on the trajectories through which these issues can develop from childhood to adulthood and the resilience factors that can help overcome difficulties.

Our research axes

Incidence and prevalence

This first research axis aims to document the incidence and prevalence of sexual violence, problems in intimate relationships, and the co-occurrence of both issues in Quebec. The work under Axis 1 helps establish the magnitude of these social phenomena and guides our studies on modeling profiles, risk and protective factors, and the consequences of sexual violence and problems in intimate relationships (Axis 2), as well as interventions (Axis 3).

Incidence and prevalence in the general population

Studies assessing the number of cases of sexual violence and problems in intimate relationships, as well as their co-occurrence within the general population (prevalence) or during a specific period of time (incidence).

Incidence and prevalence in specific populations

Studies assess the prevalence of sexual violence and issues in intimate relationships, along with their co-occurrence in specific groups. To ascertain risk, these studies target populations with clinical symptoms and vulnerable groups, characterized by a heightened susceptibility to sexual violence and problems in intimate relationships, or populations that have been insufficiently studied.

Modeline profiles, risk and protective factors,
and associated consequences

Studies under this axis aim to develop models to better understand the complex factors associated with sexual violence, problems in intimate relationships, and their co-occurrence. To achieve this, modeling of risk and protective factors, consequences, as well as ecosystemic and contextual factors influencing them is conducted at different developmental stages. The study of risk factors and consequences helps to gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of sexual violence and difficulties in intimate relationships, identifying factors related to subsequent adaptation trajectories to guide the development of effective prevention and intervention programs.

Profiles, risk and protective factors, and consequences associated with sexual abuse and intimate relationship problems in the general population and validation of conceptual models from studies of the general population.

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 are 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.

Effectiveness of clinical practices

Axis 3 builds upon the knowledge gained from the first two axes. It encompasses three complementary research questions: (1) the development or implementation and evaluation of prevention or intervention programs related to sexual violence, problems in intimate relationships, or their co-occurrence; (2) the study of decision-making at the clinical, administrative, or judicial levels to better understand decision factors. These research endeavors enable precise recommendations to encourage the adoption of best practices aimed at reducing the costs associated with these issues; (3) the development and validation of measurement tools.

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 addressing sexual violence and problems in intimate relationships are available in Quebec. However, few of these programs have been evaluated for their effectiveness and relevance. The evaluative studies conducted by CRIPCAS aim to enhance the clinical and scientific value of Quebec's intervention programs related to sexual violence and problems in intimate relationships.

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 situations of sexual violence, problems in intimate relationships, or their co-occurrence in administrative, clinical, and judicial practices.

Development and validation of measurement tools

The development and validation of measurement tools aims to create valid instruments for the Quebec population that can be implemented in practice settings to enhance the effectiveness of interventions for the populations targeted by CRIPCAS research and used in studies conducted under the various axes.

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