Overview
SHAWN is a community-engaged research project that examines the impact of criminal-legal changes during COVID-19 on the HIV risk behaviors and protective factors of justice-involved women who use drugs.
Life history interviews will be conducted with justice-involved women, with a focus on key turning points in their lives.
Calendar-based interviews will document and understand participants’ lived experiences during COVID-19.
Digital Storytelling Workshop will create dialogue and a platform for women to construct and share narratives about their lives.
Findings seek to inform HIV prevention programs and criminal-legal policies.
This project intentionally engages undergraduate social work majors at Southern CT State University in all aspects of the study planning, implementation, and analysis processes. A goal of this training program is to facilitate opportunity for people who have been historically underrepresented in academic and research positions, including people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and women, to become social science leaders.
Our Name
SHAWN is an acronym that stands for Stop HIV/AIDS Women’s Network.
This name was chosen to honor and be inspired by the energy, expertise, and spirit of Shawn Lang, an HIV/AIDS activist and social justice leader who advocated for LGBTQ communities, people living with HIV, and people who use drugs in Connecticut. For more information about Shawn’s life and legacy, please visit this page.
