Date of Award

2026

Type

Thesis

Major

Health and Physical Education

Degree Type

Master of Public Health

Department

Kinesiology and Health Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Patricia Anafi

Second Advisor

Dr. Carlene Robinson

Abstract

Sexual assault and intimate partner violence remain persistent public health concerns in the United States, with significant consequences for individual health, family stability, and population well-being. Although these forms of violence are frequently addressed through criminal justice and behavioral health frameworks, less attention has been given to their implications within maternal and child health, where relational dynamics, life course development, and intergenerational outcomes are central. This study reframed SA and IPV as core MCH issues to examine how integrated, systems-based approaches can strengthen prevention efforts. A structured literature review and systematic synthesis of peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2026 were conducted, alongside analysis of relevant policy and surveillance frameworks. The review focused on behavioral health factors, structural determinants, and developmental influences associated with violence risk. Findings indicated that existing prevention strategies often operate in fragmented ways, addressing individual risk factors without adequately accounting for the broader systems and life course processes that shape vulnerability. This study proposed an integrated conceptual framework grounded in MCH principles, emphasizing early intervention, family systems, and cross-sector coordination. The findings support a shift toward prevention strategies that extend beyond individual behavior change to address structural conditions and developmental trajectories. This reframing offers practical implications for public health practice and policy by aligning violence prevention with broader efforts to promote family health and long-term well-being.

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