Debra Patterson

Debra Patterson, PhD is a Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs at Wayne State University's School of Social Work. She earned her PhD in Community Psychology from Michigan State University (2008) and her MSW from Wayne State (1996).

• Focuses on sexual assault survivors' help-seeking barriers
• Specializes in culturally specific trauma-informed services
• Evaluates sexual assault nurse examiner (SAFE) programs
• Investigates training attrition and competency development

Her research combines qualitative methods with community-based participatory approaches, emphasizing collaborations with organizations like LA VIDA Partnership and the International Association of Forensic Nurses. Current projects include:

• NIJ-funded SAFE training program evaluation
• DOJ-funded study on Latina survivors' wellbeing
• Multi-institutional training curriculum development for foster parents

She has received awards for teaching excellence and forensic nursing contributions. Her work informs policy changes in criminal justice responses to sexual violence and improves trauma-informed care systems.