Davis Research on Sexual Violence and Alcohol-Related Risk
The intersection of substance use and sexual violence represents a critical area of public health and legal study. Leading this field is Davis, a researcher who focuses on the complex relationship between sexual risk, sexual violence, and substance use. Through her work, Davis examines how these factors manifest across various environments, including K-12 and higher education institutions, the military, and the legal system.
Currently, Davis directs the Alcohol & Sexual Health Lab at Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, where she develops evidence-based strategies to prevent assault and improve institutional responses.
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Key Facts
- Funding: Secured over $40 million in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Publications: Authored more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Legal Impact: Research has influenced state legislation regarding "stealthing" (non-consensual condom removal).
- Key Programs: Developed and evaluated "Safer Bars," a training program for bar staff to identify signs of sexual assault.
- Global Reach: Awarded a 2023–2024 Fulbright Scholar Award for transatlantic collaboration with the University of Birmingham.
Combatting Alcohol-Related Sexual Violence
A significant portion of Davis' work focuses on the role of alcohol in facilitating sexual risk behaviors. One of her notable contributions is the evaluation of Safer Bars, a cluster-randomized effectiveness study. This program trains bartenders to recognize warning signs of sexual assault perpetration, providing them with the tools to intervene effectively. The research concluded that Safer Bars is an effective educational tool for hospitality staff.
The Role of Alcohol in Risk Behavior
Davis' research delves into the mechanisms that drive alcohol-involved sexual risk in both consensual and non-consensual scenarios. In 2019, she received a Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for her project, "Men's Sexual Risk Behaviors: Alcohol, Sexual Aggression, and Emotional Factors." This work aims to deepen the understanding of how alcohol influences aggression and emotional regulation in sexual contexts.
Legal Applications and "Stealthing"
Davis' academic findings have transitioned from the lab to the legislature, particularly regarding stealthing, the act of non-consensually removing a condom during sex. Her research, "Young Women’s Experiences with Coercive and Non-Coercive Condom Use Resistance," highlighted that a majority of women have encountered some form of resistance to condom use.
This data has been instrumental in shifting public perception, helping victims identify and name these experiences as sexual assault. Consequently, state legislatures in California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have moved toward enacting laws against stealthing. In Nebraska, Davis' research has provided a critical evidentiary basis for policymakers debating similar bills.
Further supporting this legal shift, her literature review on men's sexual violence perpetration revealed that in alcohol-related encounters, 42% of "young, male, moderate non-problem drinkers" used coercive tactics regarding condoms, with 10% reporting non-consensual removal.
Academic Achievements and Global Collaboration
With over two decades of experience, Davis has been supported by a wide array of prestigious institutions, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, and the Alcoholic Beverage Medical Research Foundation. She has also received seed grants from Arizona State University's Institute for Social Science Research and the Glen J. Swette Seed Grant.
Looking forward, Davis is expanding her impact through a 2023–2024 Fulbright Scholar Award. Collaborating with the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, she is working on a project titled "A Transatlantic Collaboration to Reduce Gender Inequality: Targeting Intoxicated Sexual Assault." Unlike previous research that focuses on victim prevention, this project specifically targets perpetrators to reduce alcohol-involved assaults and challenge outdated legal stereotypes.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Intersection of sexual violence, sexual risk, and substance use |
| Key Program | Safer Bars (Bartender bystander training) |
| Legal Influence | Stealthing legislation (CA, NJ, MA, and NE debates) |
| Total Funding | $40+ million (primarily from NIH) |
| Current Project | Fulbright collaboration with University of Birmingham |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "stealthing" in the context of Davis' research?
Stealthing refers to the non-consensual removal of a condom during a sexual encounter. Davis' research identifies this as a form of sexual assault and a specific type of condom-use resistance.
What is the purpose of the Safer Bars program?
Safer Bars is a training program designed to educate bartenders on the warning signs of sexual assault perpetration, enabling them to intervene and prevent violence in bar settings.
How has Davis' research influenced the law?
Her findings on condom-use resistance and coercive tactics have been used by experts and policymakers to advocate for and pass laws against stealthing in states like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
What is the focus of the Fulbright Scholar project?
The project is a transatlantic collaboration with the University of Birmingham aimed at reducing intoxicated sexual assault by focusing on perpetrator prevention and challenging legal stereotypes.
Who has funded Davis' research?
Funding has been provided by the National Institutes of Health (including the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, the Alcoholic Beverage Medical Research Foundation, and Arizona State University.