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We're using data to improve healing outcomes for survivors.

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Our Research

Illuminating Survivorship Through Data from Thousands of Survivors

We are a survivor-centered, data-driven organization committed to ethically utilizing information to improve outcomes for all survivors. Our research initiatives prioritize inclusivity, giving voice to experiences often overlooked in traditional studies.

Our Approach

A Survivor-Centered Approach to Research

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Identify effective, culturally-sensitive healing strategies

Understand gaps in care and diverse survivor needs across demographics and trauma types

Inform evidence-based, inclusive support systems

Guide prevention efforts rooted in real-world experiences

Peer-Reviewed Research

Published studies from the Our Wave team

Explore peer-reviewed research and studies published by the Our Wave team. We're using data to improve healing outcomes for survivors.

Research Paper: A Synthesis of Survivor-Provided Advice for Overcoming Gender-Based Violence Across Seven Countries
January 1, 2026
Laura Sinko PhD, MSHP, RN

Research Paper: A Synthesis of Survivor-Provided Advice for Overcoming Gender-Based Violence Across Seven Countries

This paper explores these experience among 136 survivors of GBV across seven global contexts. Using the Clinical Ethnographic Narrative Interview-Trauma, after reflecting on their healing journey, survivors shared advice for others healing from GBV.

Research Paper: Our Wave, an online platform to facilitate survivor disclosure of sexual assault and trauma recovery
December 17, 2024
Laura Sinko PhD, MSHP, RN Brendan Michaelsen Brooke Tweedie Kyle Linton

Research Paper: Our Wave, an online platform to facilitate survivor disclosure of sexual assault and trauma recovery

This community case study introduces Our Wave, an online platform that provides a safe, anonymous space for survivors of sexual harm to share their stories, reflect on their healing journeys, and connect with others. Designed to empower survivors, the platform allows users to post anonymous stories or visual media, ask questions, and send messages of hope, all while prioritizing privacy and security.

Research Resources

Webinars, guides, and educational materials

Explore webinars, guides, and educational materials from experts in trauma-informed care and survivor support.

October 20, 2026
Laura Sinko PhD, MSHP, RN Kayleigh Izzo

Webinar: Advanced Methods of Trauma-Informed Research with Survivors - Part 2

In the second of our two-part series on trauma-informed research, Our Wave Chief Research Officer Dr. Laura Sinko moves from principles to practice. You’ll learn how to weigh research tradeoffs, design trauma-informed surveys, and strengthen interview and focus group protocols. Dr. Sinko also covers the privacy risks unique to digital research, how to plan for participant distress and safety, and how to interpret findings while engaging survivors and community partners equitably. Whether you work in healthcare, research, or a community-based organization, you’ll leave ready to move from research on survivors to research for and with them.

September 22, 2026
Laura Sinko PhD, MSHP, RN Kayleigh Izzo

Webinar: Foundations of Trauma-Informed Research with Survivors - Part 1

In the first of our two-part series on trauma-informed research, Our Wave Chief Research Officer Dr. Laura Sinko covers the basics of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, and shows how to apply a survivor-centered lens from recruitment and consent through dissemination. Whether you work in healthcare, research, or a community-based organization, you'll leave ready to evaluate your work rigorously and move from research on survivors to research for and with them.

September 30, 2025
Laura Sinko PhD, MSHP, RN Kyle Linton Brendan Michaelsen

Webinar: Building Digital Healing Spaces for Survivors of Sexual Harm

An in-depth demo of the Our Wave platform and strategies for survivor-focused research, presented by the Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International.

Webinar: Recognizing Symptoms of Sexual Trauma in Youth & How to Appropriately Respond
April 23, 2020
Laura Sinko PhD, MSHP, RN Kyle Linton

Webinar: Recognizing Symptoms of Sexual Trauma in Youth & How to Appropriately Respond

For parents, coaches, and caregivers on spotting the often-silent signs of sexual trauma in young athletes, understanding how trauma shows up across ages, and responding in ways that support disclosure, safety, prevention, and healing. Presented by USA Gymnastics.

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Our Wave depends on your generous contributions for our continued success. Thank you for supporting us as we build a community where survivors of sexual harm, domestic violence, and child abuse are heard, believed, and supported.

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