Domestic violence is a major health problem for women and children as well as a significant social issue. Dr. Bullock’s research has focused on domestic violence in a population of pregnant women and has included collaborating with nurses nationally and internationally and with members of other disciplines on the MU campus. Specifically, she investigates the prevalence of intimate partner violence, its consequences to mother and fetus, and intervention strategies to improve health outcomes in both the woman and child. This research not only addresses a gap in knowledge but also is providing evidence-based practice recommendations for clinical practice. It has also been useful in advising legislators and policymakers in their development of programs to aid this vulnerable population.

A secondary focus of Dr. Bullock’s focus has been on researching smoking cessation programs targeting women of reproductive age. She has implemented a randomized controlled trial testing a nurse-delivered telephone social support intervention for low-income rural pregnant women in Missouri who smoke. I have also collaborated with members of the Department of Family and Community Medicine targeting not only the woman who smokes but also her partner if he smokes. Additionally, her colleagues from the Department of Family and Community Medicine and herself have been involved in several other tobacco cessation initiatives.