Development and Evaluation of a Culturally Grounded Empowerment Self Defense Program for Adult Native Women Survivors of Sexual Violence: Open Pilot Trial
University of Michigan
Summary
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. We have assembled an interdisciplinary expert team and Elders/Traditional Knowledge Keepers (TKKs) as well as Survivor Advisory Board (SAB) in the proposed work.
Description
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women experience disproportionately high rates of sexual violence (SV) and subsequent symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as related issues such as suicidality, problem drinking, sexual revictimization, and intimate partner violence (IPV). We know little about how to address mental health problems related to SV in AI/AN women, particularly those living in rural/remote tribal communities where access to quality care is limited or non-existent. Current best practices for AI/AN populations suggest that existing empirically…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
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…
Interventions
- BehavioralEmpowerment self-defense training
Participants will take part in the empowerment self-defense (ESD) program delivered in a small-group format. Sessions will be facilitated by trained facilitators and will focus on empowerment, personal safety skills, boundary setting, communication strategies, and trauma-informed discussions relevant to survivors of sexual violence. Sessions will follow a structured curriculum designed to provide participants with practical skills for recognizing risk, setting boundaries, and responding to potentially harmful situations. Facilitators delivering the program receive training in trauma-informed practice and are already certified to teach the ESD curriculum.
Location
- Wahwala Iyohlogya/Peaceful MeansPine Ridge, South Dakota