Social work doctoral student Beren Crim Sabuncu was accepted into the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care's (ANAC) fourth cohort of HIV and Aging Scholars. The program's object is to improve healthcare and quality of life for people living and aging with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) while also fostering the development of leaders and advocates who will implement change in their communities.

The fellowship highlights Sabuncu's dedication to her research focused on intimate partner violence (IPV). "I am deeply committed to addressing the impact of intimate partner on aging HIV-positive men who have sex with men," she explained. "I aim to contribute valuable insights to the broader discourse of managing IPV in aging populations living with HIV."

"She's a hard worker and very passionate about her research as well as collaboration with other students and participating in great community service," stated Dr. Stephen Tripodi, doctoral program director at the FSU College of Social Work.

Crim has worked extensively in HIV and aging research, including with the FSU Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity (CPSHE) and the center's Assistant Director, Dr. Xavier Hall. Together, they worked on a study funded by the National Institutes of Health that examined minority stress and traumatic experiences related to HIV among Vietnamese men who have sex with other men.

"The center is so encouraging and makes me feel so empowered in my work," Sabuncu said in a recent CPSHE article. Dr. Hall encouraged her to apply for the HIV and Aging Scholars Program.

Sabuncu's proposed project focuses on the intersection of intimate partner violence and the impact on HIV-related care engagement among aging, HIV-positive men who have sex with other men. The project recognizes the unique challenges faced by this population. The study explores the effect of intimate partner violence, including the use of community-specific methods for control by abusive partners within the LGBTQ+ community.

Through semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers and patients, Sabuncu will gather information on past IPV experiences, the impact of these experiences, and safety planning practices.

"I aim to bridge the gap between research and practice," she shared. "My study aims to contribute insights into patient-centered care, shedding light on both formal and informal safety planning methods. The goal is to identify protective practices that can be integrated into health strategies for better health and quality-of-life outcomes in this vulnerable population."

Through ANAC's HIV and Aging Scholars longitudinal learning program, Sabuncu will gain access to HIV-related training modules, an interdisciplinary cohort, and a mentor within the organization. The 6-month experience will also culminate with projects each cohort members present through ANAC channels, including the association's national conference and the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care.

She will also present her findings to the FSU Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity's community partner, FoundCare, with the "aim of increasing awareness of safety planning practices, informing changes in services, and contributing insights to the broader conversation on managing intimate partner violence in HIV-positive aging populations," said Sabuncu.