UConn Unveils New Center to Combat Sexual Violence on Campus

The new Center for Research on Sexual Violence and Empowerment will advance research and develop interventions to prevent sexual violence.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A dreamy, atmospheric photograph in soft focus showing the silhouettes of college students walking across a campus quad, with blurred buildings and trees in the background, conveying a sense of community and campus life.The new UConn center will focus on developing interventions to combat sexual violence and support students on college campuses.Storrs Today

The University of Connecticut has launched a new research center focused on preventing sexual violence on college campuses. The Center for Research on Sexual Violence and Empowerment was recommended by UConn's 2022 Task Force for Combating Sexual Violence and Supporting Our Students and will be housed at the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP). Led by Professor Lisa A. Eaton, the center will advance UConn's research expertise, develop interventions, and work to translate findings into policy and practice changes.

Why it matters

The creation of this new center underscores UConn's commitment to addressing the critical issue of sexual violence on college campuses. By bringing together students, faculty, and staff to shape the research agenda and implement recommendations, the university aims to strengthen its efforts to combat sexual violence and support affected students.

The details

The Center for Research on Sexual Violence and Empowerment was recommended by UConn President Radenka Maric's 2022 Task Force for Combating Sexual Violence and Supporting Our Students. The task force included 22 members from existing campus organizations involved in UConn's approach to preventing sexual violence. Under the leadership of Professor Lisa A. Eaton, the center will advance research, develop interventions, and work to translate findings into policy and practice changes at the individual, community, and policy levels.

  • The 2022 Task Force for Combating Sexual Violence and Supporting Our Students was created.
  • The new Center for Research on Sexual Violence and Empowerment has been unveiled, but an official opening date has not been announced.

The players

Radenka Maric

The president of the University of Connecticut who created the 2022 Task Force for Combating Sexual Violence and Supporting Our Students.

Lisa A. Eaton

The director of the new Center for Research on Sexual Violence and Empowerment, as well as a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at UConn.

Ryan J. Watson

The associate director of the new Center for Research on Sexual Violence and Empowerment, as well as an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at UConn.

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What’s next

The center will begin its work on research, intervention development, and implementing the recommendations from the 2022 task force.

The takeaway

By establishing the Center for Research on Sexual Violence and Empowerment, UConn is taking a proactive step to combat sexual violence on its campus and contribute to broader efforts to address this critical issue in higher education.