Youth ages 13-17 engaged in an immersive research experience led by the School of Social Work and Maryland Carey Law guided by Photovoice, a qualitative research method.
Laurie Graham, PhD, MSW, and Theda Rose, PhD, MSW, researchers from the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), collaborated with HeartSmiles — a Baltimore-based youth empowerment organization, the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law’s Erin Levitas Initiative for Sexual Violence Prevention, and the Erin Levitas Foundation to conduct an innovative, interdisciplinary Photovoice research study. The project engaged 23 youth participants, ages 13-17, in a qualitative exploration of consent, boundaries, and social connection — critical themes in the prevention of sexual violence and the promotion of healthy relationships.
Through the Photovoice methodology, youth used photography as a medium to express their experiences and perspectives. This guided process empowered participants to visually and verbally articulate complex social concepts in their own voices.
The study culminated in a curated gallery exhibition, where participants presented their photographs and shared personal reflections with an audience of more than 100 attendees. The event featured a special video message from Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, who commended the youth for their insight and commitment to the project. Opening remarks were delivered by Maryland Carey Law Dean Renée Hutchins Laurent, JD, and UMSSW Dean Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW. Additional remarks were offered by Marissa Jachman of the Erin Levitas Foundation, Quince Hopkins, JD, LLM, JSD, of the Erin Levitas Initiative, and youth who were project participants.
This collaborative effort highlights the power of youth voice in shaping conversations around consent and connection and underscores the value of interdisciplinary partnerships in community-engaged research. The outcomes of this project will inform the Levitas Initiative’s youth program (ERIN Talk) and can guide similar prevention efforts around the country going forward.
Learn more about the Erin Levitas Initiative Photovoice Research Study.