Alison Cares

Alison Cares is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Sociology at the University of Central Florida (UCF), part of the College of Sciences. Her work focuses on intimate partner violence, campus sexual violence, and victimization education. She holds a PhD in Sociology and MA in Crime, Law, and Justice from Penn State University, and a BA from Dartmouth College.

Her research is supported by grants from the CDC, NIJ, and OVC, emphasizing community partnerships. Her teaching spans criminology, victimization, and research methods, with a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student mentorship.

Key research interests include program evaluation, bystander intervention strategies, and the intersection of gender with violence prevention. Her work bridges academia and practice, aiming to reduce violence through evidence-based policies and education.

Notable publications address sexual violence prevention, trigger warning efficacy in classrooms, and the long-term implications of Johnson’s typology for intimate partner violence research. She actively contributes to national dialogues on campus safety and victim-centered approaches.