Grants for Injury Prevention Research for Violence Against Women; Availability of Funds for Fiscal Year 1994

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement Number 409]

Grants for Injury Prevention Research for Violence Against Women;

Availability of Funds for Fiscal Year 1994

Introduction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces that

applications are being accepted for Injury Prevention Research Grants

for Violence Against Women. The Public Health Service (PHS) is

committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention

objectives of Healthy People 2000, a PHS-led national activity to

reduce morbidity, mortality and improve the quality of life. This

announcement is related to the area of Violent and Abusive Behavior.

(For ordering a copy of Healthy People 2000, see the Section Where To

Obtain Additional Information.)

Authority

This program is authorized under sections 301 and 391 of the Public

Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 and 280b). Program regulations are

set forth in title 42 of the CFR part 52.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include all non-profit and for-profit

organizations. Thus state, tribal, and local health departments and

other state, tribal, and local governmental agencies, universities,

colleges, research institutions, and other public and private

organizations, including small, minority and/or woman-owned businesses

are eligible for these research grants. Current holders of CDC injury

control research projects are eligible to apply.

Availability of Funds

Approximately $2.0 million is projected to be available in FY 1994

to fund approximately 5 to 9 grants. The amount of funding actually

available may vary and is subject to change. New grant awards will not

exceed $300,000 per year (including both direct and indirect costs).

Research grant supplements will generally be no more than $75,000

(including both direct and indirect costs). Awards will be made for a

12-month budget period within a project period not to exceed 3 years.

Continuation awards within the project period will be made on the basis

of satisfactory progress demonstrated by investigators at work-in-

progress monitoring workshops, the achievement of workplan milestones

reflected in the continuation application, and the availability of

Federal funds. In addition, continuation awards will be eligible for

increased funding to offset inflationary costs depending upon the

availability of funds.

Purpose

The purposes of this program are:

A. To build the scientific base for the prevention of injuries and

deaths due to violence against women as delineated in Injury Control in

the 1990s: A National Plan for Action. Atlanta: Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, 1993; Healthy People 2000; Violence in America:

A Public Health Approach; Understanding and Preventing Violence; and

Injury Prevention: Meeting the Challenge (supplement to the American

Journal of Preventive Medicine, (Vol. 5, no. 3, 1989);

B. To identify effective strategies to prevent injuries and deaths

due to violence against women;

C. To expand the development and evaluation of current and new

intervention methods and strategies for the primary prevention of

violence against women;

D. To encourage professionals from a wide spectrum of disciplines

such as medicine, health care, public health, criminal justice,

behavioral and social sciences, and others to undertake research to

prevent and control injuries that result from violence against women.

Program Requirements

The following are applicant requirements:

A. A principal investigator who has conducted research, published

the findings, and has specific authority and responsibility to carry

out the proposed project.

B. Demonstrated experience in conducting, evaluating, and

publishing injury control research on the applicant's project team.

C. Effective and well-defined working relationships within the

performing organization and with outside entities which will ensure

implementation of the proposed activities.

D. An explanation of how research findings could lead to the

development of injury control interventions within 3-5 years of project

start-up. Furthermore, how the research findings might be disseminated

and implemented through organizations (such as public health agencies)

or systems, both public and private.

E. The ability to carry out injury control research projects.

F. The overall match between the applicant's proposed theme and

research objectives, and the program priorities as described under the

heading ``Programmatic Interest'' and in Injury Control in the 1990s: A

National Plan for Action. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, 1993; Healthy People 2000; Violence in America: A Public

Health Approach; Understanding and Preventing Violence; and Injury

Prevention: Meeting the Challenge.

Note: Grant funds will not be made available to support the

provision of direct care services. Eligible applicants may enter

into contracts, including consortia agreements (as set forth in the

PHS Grants Policy Statement) as necessary to meet the requirements

of the program and strengthen the overall application.

Programmatic Interests

The grants should concentrate on the need to prevent the morbidity,

mortality, and disability which result from violence against women, in

order to reduce the devastating social and economic impact on the

nation. Applicants are encouraged to propose research which either: (1)

Rigorously evaluates the outcomes of violence prevention strategies

currently in use, or (2) identifies modifiable risk factors which can

lead to the development of effective interventions. Examples of

possible projects listed under the priority areas below are by no means

exhaustive, and innovative approaches are encouraged. Because of time

constraints, comments were not solicited from the general public

regarding funding priorities and special considerations.

In prevention, there is specific interest in research that

evaluates the effectiveness of interventions to prevent injuries and

deaths due to violence against women, or reduce their impact. There is

also interest in research that develops the basic sciences of injury

control (i.e., social and behavioral sciences, and epidemiology). This

research might evaluate one or more different approaches to

implementing a specific intervention strategy. In addition, there is a

need to examine intervention strategies for which evidence of

effectiveness is either sparse or totally lacking. Interventions chosen

for evaluation should have a significant potential for reducing

morbidity, mortality, disability, or cost. Special consideration will

be given to grants which target populations at high risk for violence-

related injuries and their consequences, including adolescents,

children, racial and ethnic minorities, urban residents, and people

with low incomes.

Examples of strategies for preventing violence against women which

need to be rigorously evaluated for impact on violent outcomes include:

Establishing protocols for early identification and

referral of abuse victims in health settings (e.g., Are women who are

identified as being physically or sexually abused through victim

identification and referral protocols in hospital emergency

departments, substance abuse and mental health centers, STD clinics, or

prenatal care clinics less likely than others to experience future

abuse? Do home health visits reduce partner abuse in targeted families

and, as a consequence, reduce the likelihood that children will witness

such violence?);

Batterer treatment programs;

Alcohol and drug abuse treatment services for batterers

and victims in tandem with batterer treatment programs;

Public information and awareness campaigns to change

attitudes and beliefs which perpetuate violence against women (e.g.,

Can well-designed and administered public awareness campaigns change

knowledge and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women? Are

hotlines that provide crisis intervention counseling an effective

mechanism for increasing the use of available services and programs?)

In epidemiology, there is programmatic interest in analytic

research that identifies mechanisms, causes, or risks of injury which

might lead to new or more effective interventions for violence against

women. Examples of potentially modifiable risk factors which should be

examined for each area are listed below:

Attitudes and beliefs which influence violent behavior

against women (e.g., Are boys and men who hold attitudes conducive to

violence against women more likely to be violent towards women? What

role does culture play in perpetuating these attitudes?);

The impact of early childhood experiences of violence

(either as a witness or victim of violence) upon the tendency to

develop violent behavior patterns in adulthood (e.g., What childhood

experiences mitigate the harmful effects on children of witnessing

violent acts against women? What role does past exposure to varying

forms of violence play in repeated victimization?);

The role of alcohol and other drugs among batterers and

their victims;

Factors in a dating relationship which precipitate violent

behavior (e.g., Are young men who commit violent acts against a date

likely to continue these behaviors?);

Factors which precipitate battering during pregnancy.

Also of programmatic interest is epidemiologic research having as

its focus the development of improved methods for and the evaluation of

injury surveillance systems that accurately quantify the incidence and

severity of injuries that result from violence against women (e.g.,

emergency department-based surveillance of injuries due to violence

against women). Research is needed that more accurately defines the

cost of violence against women, from a social, physical, and

psychological perspective (e.g., How does violence against women affect

productivity in the workplace? How does such violence affect the cost

of health care in general?).

Cost analysis should be included in the plans, where appropriate,

to evaluate an intervention(s) that addresses violence against women. A

more complete discussion of methodologies for assessing cost analysis

is presented in, A Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of Disease

and Injury Prevention, (CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,

March 27, 1992, Volume 41, Number RR-3, pages 5-11). (To receive

information on these reports see the section Where To Obtain Additional

Information.)

Evaluation Criteria

Upon receipt, applications will be screened by CDC staff for

completeness and responsiveness as outlined under the previous heading,

Program Requirements (A-F). Incomplete applications and applications

that are not responsive will be returned to the applicant without

further consideration. Applications which are complete and responsive

may be subjected to a preliminary evaluation by a peer review group to

determine if the application is of sufficient technical and scientific

merit to warrant further review; the CDC will withdraw from further

consideration applications judged to be noncompetitive and promptly

notify the principal investigator/program director and the official

signing for the applicant organization. Those applications judged to be

competitive will be further evaluated by a dual review process. The

primary review will be a peer evaluation by the Injury Research Grants

Review Committee (IRGRC) of the scientific and technical merit of the

application. The final review will be conducted by the CDC Advisory

Committee for Injury Prevention and Control (ACIPC), which will

consider the results of the peer review together with program need and

relevance. Funding decisions will be made by the Director, National

Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), based on merit and

priority score ranking by the IRGRC, program review by the ACIPC, and

the availability of funds.

A. The first review will be a peer review to be conducted on all

applications. Factors to be considered will include:

1. The specific aims of the research project, i.e., the broad long-

term objectives, the intended accomplishment of the specific research

proposal, and the hypothesis to be tested;

2. The background of the proposal, i.e., the basis for the present

proposal, the critical evaluation of existing knowledge, and specific

identification of the injury control knowledge gaps which the proposal

is intended to fill;

3. The significance and originality from a scientific or technical

standpoint of the specific aims of the proposed research, including the

adequacy of the theoretical and conceptual framework for the research;

4. For competitive renewal and supplemental applications, the

progress made during the prior project period. For new applications,

(optional) the progress of preliminary studies pertinent to the

application.

5. The adequacy of the proposed research design, approaches, and

methodology to carry out the research, including quality assurance

procedures, plan for data management, and statistical analysis plan.

6. The extent to which the evaluation plan will allow for the

measurement of progress toward the achievement of the stated

objectives.

7. Qualifications, adequacy, and appropriateness of personnel to

accomplish the proposed activities.

8. The degree of commitment and cooperation of other interested

parties (as evidenced by letters detailing the nature and extent of the

involvement).

9. The reasonableness of the proposed budget to the proposed

research and demonstration program.

10. Adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources.

B. The second review will be conducted by the Advisory Committee

for Injury Prevention and Control. The factors to be considered will

include:

1. The results of the peer review.

2. The significance of the proposed activities in relation to the

objectives stated in Injury Control in the 1990s: A National Plan for

Action. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1993;

Healthy People 2000; Violence in America: A Public Health Approach;

Understanding and Preventing Violence; and Injury Prevention: Meeting

the Challenge.

3. National needs.

4. Overall distribution among:

The major disciplines of violence-related injury

prevention: social and behavioral sciences, and epidemiology;

Populations addressed (e.g., adolescents, minorities, the

elderly, urban, rural); and

5. Budgetary considerations (e.g., preference may be given to

applicants who submit proposals requesting funding for research

projects of one to two years) .

C. Continued funding. Continuation awards made after FY 1994, but

within the project period, will be made on the basis of the

availability of funds and the following criteria:

1. The accomplishments reflected in the progress report of the

continuation application indicate that the applicant is meeting

previously stated objectives or milestones contained in the project's

annual workplan and satisfactory progress demonstrated through

monitoring presentations or work-in-progress workshops;

2. The objectives for the new budget period are realistic,

specific, and measurable;

3. The methods described will clearly lead to achievement of these

objectives;

4. The evaluation plan will allow management to monitor whether the

methods are effective; and

5. The budget request is clearly explained, adequately justified,

reasonable and consistent with the intended use of grant funds.

D. Supplementary funding. Competing Supplemental grant awards may

be made when funds are available, to support research work or

activities not previously approved by the Injury Research Grants Review

Committee (IRGRC). Applications should be clearly labelled to denote

their status as requesting supplemental funding support. These

applications will be reviewed by the IRGRC and the secondary review

group.

Executive Order 12372 Review

Applications are not subject to the review requirements of

Executive Order 12372, entitled Intergovernmental Review of Federal

Programs.

Public Health System Reporting Requirement

This program is not subject to the Public Health System Reporting

Requirements.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA)

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.136.

Application Submission and Deadline

A. Preapplication Letter of Intent

Although not a prerequisite of application, a non-binding letter of

intent-to-apply is requested from potential applicants. The letter

should be submitted to the Grants Management Officer (whose address is

reflected in section B, ``Applications''). It should be postmarked no

later than one month prior to the planned submission deadline, (e.g.,

February 15 for March 15 submission). The letter should identify the

specific program announcement number, indicate the intended submission

deadline, and include the name of the principal investigator. The

letter of intent does not influence review or funding decisions, but it

will enable CDC to plan the review more efficiently, and will ensure

that each applicant receives timely and relevant information prior to

application submission.

B. Applications

Applicants should use Form PHS-398 and adhere to the ERRATA

Instruction Sheet for Form PHS-398 contained in the Grant Application

Kit. Please submit an original and five copies, on or before March 15,

1994 to: Henry S. Cassell, III, Grants Management Officer, Grants

Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., room 300,

Atlanta, Georgia 30305.

C. Deadlines

1. Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if they

are either:

A. Received at the above address on or before the deadline date, or

B. Sent on or before the deadline date to the above address, and

received in time for submission for the review process. Applicants

should request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a

legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal

Service. Private metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of

timely mailings.

2. Applications which do not meet the criteria in 1.A. or 1.B.

above are considered late applications and will be returned to the

applicant.

Where To Obtain Additional Information

To receive additional information, call (404) 332-4561. You will be

asked to leave your name, address, and phone number and will need to

refer to Announcement Number 409. You will receive a complete program

description, information on application procedures, and application

forms. If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all

documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained

from Lisa Tamaroff, Grants Management Specialist, Procurement and

Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255

East Paces Ferry Road, NE., room 300, Atlanta, GA 30305, (404) 842-

6796. Programmatic technical assistance may be obtained from Ted Jones,

Project Officer, Extramural Research Grants Branch, National Center for

Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC), Mailstop K-58, 4770 Buford Highway, NE., Atlanta,

Georgia 30341-3724, (404) 488-4824.

Potential applicants may obtain a copy of Healthy People 2000 (Full

Report, Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or Healthy People 2000 (Summary

Report, Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of

Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325,

telephone (202) 783-3238. Copies of Injury Control in the 1990s: A

National Plan for Action. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, 1993; Injury Prevention: Meeting the Challenge; and A

Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of Disease and Injury

Prevention, (CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 27,

1992, Volume 41, Number RR-3, pages 5-11) may be obtained by calling

(404) 488-4646. Also, information for obtaining Violence in America: A

Public Health Approach and Understanding and Preventing Violence can be

received by calling the previously listed phone number (404/488-4646).

Dated: January 4, 1994.

Ladene H. Newton,

Acting Associate Director for Management and Operations, Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

[FR Doc. 94-582 Filed 1-10-94; 8:45 am]

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