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Empowerment Self Defense Program for Adult Native Women Survivors of Sexual Violence

Development and Evaluation of a Culturally Grounded Empowerment Self Defense Program for Adult Native Women Survivors of Sexual Violence: Open Pilot Trial

Who can join

As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.

Age
18 Years and older
Sex
Female only
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
Compensation
Not stated

Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

What to expect

No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.

What participation involves

  • Procedures mentioned: Questionnaires, Interviews

Only what the study's summary and detailed description on ClinicalTrials.gov say. Time periods may describe the whole study or a part of it — ask the study team what applies to you.

Show the study's own words
  • "The investigators will assess the acceptability and feasibility of the IMpower-Survivors (Aim 2a) via program observations, post-session surveys, and exit interviews with AI/AN women who have survived SV."
Compensation
Not stated
  • Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
  • Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
  • Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
  • Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.

About this study

In plain language

This study will adapt and test IMpower, a self-defense program, to better fit Indigenous cultures. It is for adult Indigenous women, trans women, and Two Spirit people who have survived sexual violence and have moderate to severe depression or PTSD symptoms. PTSD is stress that lasts after a scary or harmful event.

The purpose of this study is to culturally adapt and evaluate an empowerment self-defense (ESD) program (i.e., IMpower) for AI/AN women who have experienced SV in their lifetime and currently experiencing moderate to severe levels of depression and/or PTSD symptoms (primary outcomes). Previous research with non-AI/AN women finds that ESD reduces depression and PTSD symptoms, but no research has examined ESD among AI/AN survivors despite calls from our tribal partners to implement ESD with AI/AN adult women survivors. The investigators have assembled an interdisciplinary expert team and Elders/Traditional Knowledge Keepers (TKKs) as well as Survivor Advisory Board (SAB) in the proposed work.

Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • Identify as Indigenous, including American Indian, Alaska Native, or multiracial and Indigenous.
  • Identify as a woman, trans woman, and/or Two Spirit.
  • Be age 18 or older.
  • Have experienced sexual violence or unwanted sexual experiences.
  • Have moderate to high levels of depression and/or PTSD symptoms.
  • Live on or near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
  • Be able to read and speak English.
  • Be able and willing to attend program sessions and take part in research, including surveys and possible final interviews.

Who can't join

  • Have a high risk of suicide.
  • Have active psychosis, which means trouble knowing what is real.

Simplified for readability. The official criteria below are what the study team uses.

Official eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Identify as Indigenous (including American Indian or Alaska Native), including individuals who identify as multiracial and Indigenous. * Identify as a woman, trans woman, and/or Two Spirit.. * Be 18 years of age or older. * Have experienced sexual violence or unwanted sexual experiences. * Report moderate to high levels of Meet criteria for depression and/or PTSD. * NOT report high risk for suicidality * NOT report active psychosis * Live on or near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. * Be able to read and speak English. * Report an ability and willingness to participate in the program sessions and related research activities, including surveys and potential exit interviews.

Study sites (1)

SD