Research

Lab Projects

Haiti - adverse childhood experiences Study

2021 - Present

SWIRL and OREZON conducted an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) community survey in Cité Soleil, an urban setting in Haiti (January - June, 2021). A total of 673 residents responded to questions on ACEs from the ACE International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). This study is among the first ACE studies to be conducted in urban Haiti. 


Access and utilization of services by immigrant South Asian female survivors of intimate partner violence: Implications for social work practice, policy and research

2021 - Present

SWIRL and the Aldephi School of Social Work collaborated with Hindu Family Support Services (HFSS) to examine how South Asian immigrant women (n=30) subjectively define Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), resist and respond to violence, and seek help from informal and formal sources of help. This study is also documenting women’s perceptions of the help they received and the gaps in service provision. Additionally, in this study they are exploring the perspectives of service providers (n=20) who provide support and services to immigrant women and highlight their perceived challenges to service provision especially to immigrant South Asian women survivors of IPV.


Krik Krak: Mental Health for Pregnant Haitian Teens

2018 - 2020

The “Krik-Krak” framework is a familiar format that is historically rooted in African oral story-telling tradition. Dr. Rahill has found that the use of metaphors in Haitian proverbs and in our story telling tradition to be a useful paradigm for developing and implementing culturally relevant interventions with Haitian clients. Developing the Krik Krak mental health for pregnant Haitian teens intervention is among the first of many steps in reducing the depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and gestures and post-traumatic stress disorders that these young women live with.

Krik Krak project was funded by the Healthy Minds for Adolescent Mothers: Achieving Healthy Outcomes for the Family [Round 20] initiative of the Global Grand Challenges.

Visit Krik Krak's Website 


If you are interested in joining our team or you wish to get in contact with our lab about collaboration or services, please contact Dr. Manisha Joshi.