Julia O'Connor

University of Utah, College of Social Work

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Location: Salt Lake CityUT

Educational Degree(s):
• Bachelor's
• Master's
• PhD

Years of Experience: 11-20 years

Victimization Focus

• Campus Sexual Assault
• Sexual Abuse or Violence
• Workplace Violence

Special Populations

• LGBTQ
• Military personnel/veterans
• Women and girls, generally

Additional Research Expertise

• Data collection
• Qualitative studies
• Quantitative studies

About the Researcher

Julia O’Connor, PhD, MSW, MPH is an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah’s College of Social Work. Her research centers on violence against women, with a specific focus on primary prevention—preventing violent behaviors before they occur. Dr. O’Connor’s work delves into the attitudes and beliefs associated with perpetration, identifying risk and protective factors, advancing bystander interventions, and examining the profiles and pathways of individuals who perpetrate violence. Her broader research interests include assessing institutional responses to violence, evaluating indicators and preventive measures, understanding the unique experiences of marginalized populations with violence, and exploring the lasting impacts on survivors. Dr. O’Connor’s research is deeply informed by her professional background, having served as a case manager, women’s advocate, and felony-level legal advocate, providing direct support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence.