Dr. Tara O’Connor Shelley, Professor and Director of the Institute on Violence Against Women and Human Trafficking at Tarleton State University, is making a difference where it matters most, helping protect lives. Her recent research on intimate partner violence (IPV) involving strangulation has gained national attention, offering new hope for victims and better tools for communities.
Working with a grant from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), U.S. Department of Justice (2018-VA-CX-0005), Dr. Shelley collaborated with Dr. Katherine M. Brown, a Professional Track Associate Professor and a Co-Principal Investigator on the project, along with Chief Billy Cordell of the Burleson Police Department (a proud Tarleton State alum), Chief Casey Davis of the Burleson Fire Department, and Ken Shetter, President of One Safe Place and former Mayor of Burleson. Together, they evaluated Burleson’s innovative approach to addressing IPV strangulation, which included a new ordinance, specialized training for first responders, and better support for survivors.
In October, the team presented their findings during a national webinar hosted by the NIJ. The event drew over 420 registered participants, including law enforcement officers, policymakers, and researchers, all eager to learn from Tarleton State’s work. The webinar covered the risks of IPV strangulation — one of the most dangerous forms of domestic violence — and how Burleson’s policies are making a real difference.
In the Responding to Intimate Partner Violence Related Strangulation: Integrating Policy, Practice, and Research webinar, the team shared their findings which focused on strategies to address IPV strangulation through an integrated approach that combines research, policy, and practice. The webinar highlighted Burleson’s forward-thinking policies and how they could serve as a model for other communities to improve responses to this severe form of domestic violence.
Chief Cordell, a Tarleton graduate with a career dedicated to community protection, emphasized the significance of the project during the Responding to Intimate Partner Violence Related Strangulation: Integrating Policy, Practice, and Research webinar. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and communities in addressing critical issues, showcasing the national impact of this partnership.
Dr. Shelley and Dr. Brown’s research has gained attention beyond the webinar, with plans for a NIJ podcast, an article on the NIJ website, and another national webinar hosted by the Institute for Coordinated Community Response to further amplify Tarleton State’s innovative approaches. These initiatives aim to share life-saving tools and strategies with communities across the nation.
The project also reflects Tarleton’s commitment to meaningful change, bridging academics with real-world impact through research that addresses pressing societal challenges. For more details about the project, visit the NIJ website. The webinar recording can also be found on NIJ’s website and an upcoming podcast will also be available soon, providing more insight into this powerful work.