LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) faculty member Dr. Kathryn Showalter and her co-authors have been awarded the 2025 Violence Against Women and Children Manuscript Award by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education.
This national recognition honors early career scholars whose work most advances knowledge in the field of violence against women and children.
“Inspired by my own mother and grandmothers, academic sisterhood, and lifelong friendships, I’ve long ago dedicated my scholarship to the wellbeing of women,” said Showalter. “To label my work as an advancement in feminist knowledge is validation of my entire career promoting overlapping feminist missions—establishing employment equity and ending intimate partner violence.”
An assistant professor at CoSW, Showalter’s research focuses on the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and employment stability, examining how workplace conditions, childcare subsidies, and workplace policies can reduce risks for survivors and families.
Her scholarship has led to the development of technology-inclusive measures of IPV and abuser-initiated workplace disruptions—tools designed to deepen understanding of how survivors experience abuse across employment sectors.
“Across sectors and demographic groups, my research establishes that survivors need access to work leave, hiring and firing discrimination protection, and access to cash-assistance programs in order to simultaneously leave abusive relationships and maintain their jobs,” she explained. “The next step is to test comprehensive policies as interventions in actual workplaces—an endeavor I’m in process of securing funding to examine.”
In addition to her research, Showalter served as a 2025 Mentor for the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education alongside colleagues Dr. Laneshia Conner, Dr. Shelita Jackson, and Dr. Kristel Scoresby. These outstanding individuals have supported emerging scholars in their academic and professional growth in social work education.
“Mentoring the next generation of feminist scholars is one of my greatest achievements,” said Showalter. “Guiding the scholarship of older women, U.S. immigrants experiencing IPV, mothers and children facing housing instability, and households experiencing dual abuse has been beyond rewarding.”
Looking ahead, Showalter plans to establish an Empowerment and Public Policy Lab within the College of Social Work, which will focus on advancing financial and employment policies for IPV survivors through interdisciplinary mentorship and collaborative research.
The Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education (Women’s Council) raises awareness about the status and contributions of individuals who identify as women in social work education. The council works toward full participation and representation across academia, uplifts the scholarship of women, and facilitates mentorship opportunities for peers, junior faculty, and students.