ProgramsNYU Wagner Capstone: Advocacy and Political Action (Fall 25' to Spring 26')ProjectsAn updated Risk Assessment Model for Intimate Partner Violence

Project Title: An updated Risk Assessment Model for Intimate Partner Violence

Operation Safe Escape

Details
Project Title An updated Risk Assessment Model for Intimate Partner Violence
Project Topics Community Organization and Social Action Data Management Individual and Family Advocacy Political Organization, Policy Change, and Advocacy Public Administration Research, Analysis, Evaluation
Skills & Expertise Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Operation Safe Escape is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing domestic violence through research, direct service, and policy influence. In collaboration with the CDC, the organization is undertaking an ambitious effort to analyze the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data to uncover updated predictors and risk factors for intimate partner homicides. This NYU Wagner Capstone project offers students the opportunity to directly contribute to a cutting-edge public health initiative aimed at transforming how communities identify and intervene in cases of high-risk domestic violence. Students will help generate actionable insights that may improve early warning systems, influence legislation, and shape interventions that save lives. 
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  1. Conduct a literature and policy review on known lethality risk factors for intimate partner homicide, focusing on both established and emerging predictors (e.g., digital abuse, coercive control).
  2. Analyze NVDRS datasets and supplementary data (e.g., FBI Uniform Crime Reports, American Community Survey) to identify trends, disparities, and correlations.
  3. Apply statistical and natural language processing techniques to unstructured case narratives to reveal hidden patterns and emerging risk signals.
  4. Synthesize findings into a refined, evidence-based risk model for use by social workers, advocates, and law enforcement.
  5. Translate results into public-facing deliverables including policy briefs, strategic recommendations, and advocacy toolkits for community adoption.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
Success will be measured based on the depth and rigor of the final deliverables, as well as their potential to inform real-world interventions. Key metrics include: 

  • Clarity and originality of findings on risk factors for domestic violence homicides

  • Applicability of the risk model for use in real-world prevention settings

  • Quality of policy briefs and relevance to current public health and legislative priorities

  • Receptivity of findings by partners in the domestic violence prevention ecosystem (e.g., social service agencies, health departments, shelters)

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Program Kickoff

 Sep 12 2025 Event

Teams

Team Name  Project Name  Team Members 
No Teams Available