Hegarty, Irene

Dr. Irene Hegarty, MSW, DSW, is a dedicated advocate, and educator interested in topics related to social justice. Her research interests primarily revolve around understanding and addressing violence against women and strengthening community resilience within that space. She earned her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from Tulane University, where she investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on crisis services for families experiencing violence. Before that, she completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, with a special focus on Hispanic culture and families, at Our Lady of the Lake University and received a Bachelor of Arts from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in Psychology where she focused on work related to Age-Friendly Cities and Second Spaces.

Dr. Hegarty’s research and writing contributions span intervention effectiveness of mental health supports for survivors of intimate partner violence, the use of technology in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking, and the formulation of policies and advocacy efforts in social work.