PARTS-NB for Domestic Violence

(PARTS-IPV Trial)

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Dilara Ally, PhD, LICSW

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Cambridge Health Alliance

Disqualifiers: Psychotic disorder, Bipolar I, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 20

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a group-based program designed to reduce stress, trauma, substance use, and violent behavior in individuals mandated by a court to attend after committing domestic violence. The program, called Program for Alleviating Relationship Trauma and Stress through New Behaviors (PARTS-NB), teaches new behaviors to improve relationships and personal well-being. Ideal participants are male-identifying residents of Washington state who have been court-referred for treatment due to intimate partner violence, have internet access, and can commit to attending most online sessions. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative approaches in addressing intimate partner violence and personal growth.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that this program is safe for participants?

Research has shown that group therapy programs like PARTS-NB can help reduce stress, trauma, and substance use. These programs benefit individuals dealing with intimate partner violence and related issues such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and substance use problems.

Regarding safety, the PARTS-NB program is a psychological treatment, which is generally well-received. Studies have not reported harmful effects from similar programs. As this is not a medication-based treatment, it avoids the risks associated with drug use. Participants in the PARTS-NB program can expect a safe experience, focusing on learning new ways to manage stress and trauma. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the PARTS-NB program because it tackles domestic violence through a unique behavioral approach. Unlike traditional treatments that might focus on medication or one-on-one therapy, PARTS-NB offers a comprehensive program designed to alleviate relationship trauma and stress by fostering new behaviors. This method emphasizes practical skills and strategies to change dynamics within relationships, providing a hands-on approach that could lead to more sustainable and impactful results for those affected by domestic violence.

What evidence suggests that the PARTS-NB program is effective for reducing stress and trauma?

Research has shown that psychological help can reduce stress and trauma for people involved in intimate partner violence (IPV). One study found that group programs teaching life skills and emotional management might lower the risk of IPV. Another study suggested that community-based programs can reduce domestic violence by addressing issues like alcohol use. These findings support the idea that programs like PARTS-NB, which focus on relationship trauma and stress through new behaviors, could be effective for individuals required by the court to attend after committing domestic violence. Overall, group treatments that teach coping skills and emotional management seem promising in reducing violence and improving behavior. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Zev Schuman-Olivier, MD

Principal Investigator

Cambridge Health Alliance Center for Mindfulness and Compassion

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for male-identifying individuals in Washington state, court-mandated to attend a program after domestic violence incidents. Participants must have internet access, be willing to attend most online sessions and complete assessments. Exclusions include severe mental health issues like bipolar I disorder or acute suicidality, unstable housing, concurrent experimental studies participation, recent hospitalizations, high psychopathy levels or severe personality disorders.

Inclusion Criteria

I identify as male or prefer male group settings.

I can access the internet and have a device for online questionnaires and video calls.

I can attend at least 17 out of 20 online sessions.

Exclusion Criteria

Bipolar I disorder history or current severe level of mania assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)

Acute suicidality with intent will be excluded from the study (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 [SCID-5])

Insufficiently stable housing or internet connection to be able to join at least 17 sessions

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Phase I

4 weeks of 120-minute weekly group-based sessions introducing the model and creating a 'brave container' to address ambivalence towards the program

4 weeks

4 visits (in-person or virtual)

Phase II

8 weeks of 120-minute weekly group-based sessions focusing on 'unblending' through working with Parts and connecting with Self

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person or virtual)

Phase III

8 weeks of 120-minute weekly group-based sessions focused on 'unburdening'

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Program for Alleviating Relationship Trauma and Stress through New Behaviors (PARTS-NB)

Trial Overview The PARTS-NB program is being tested for its effectiveness in reducing stress, trauma, substance use and violent behavior among men mandated to receive treatment for domestic violence. The study involves attending online group sessions and completing questionnaires to assess the impact of the intervention.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PARTS-NB Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All study participants will be in the PARTS-NB arm and go through the treatment program called "Program for Alleviating Relationship Trauma and Stress through New Behaviors".

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Cambridge Health Alliance

Lead Sponsor

Trials

65

Recruited

22,400+

Boston University

Collaborator

Trials

494

Recruited

9,998,000+

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

320+

Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Crime Victims Advocacy

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

20+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12032593/

Group intervention for intimate partner violence among ... Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health problem. Alcohol dependence and IPV are interconnected.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06768502

Effectiveness of Community-based Approach in Reducing ... Life Science, q-bio, dumas-01537933. Bulte, E. (2020). Empowerment and intimate partner violence : Domestic abuse when household income is uncertain. July ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266691532400088X

Psychological interventions for post-traumatic stress ... Medical Subject Headings and keywords related to “intimate partner violence” (“intimate partner violence” or “intimate partners abuse” or “abuser” or “domestic ...

4. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15332691.2024.2407930?src=exp-la

Life Skills: Effectiveness of a Program to Promote Coping ... Emotion regulation and intimate partner violence perpetration in undergraduate samples: A review of the literature. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 24 ...

5. urban.org urban.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/A_New_Nonmandated_Program_for_People_Who_Cause_Intimate_Partner_Violence.pdf

A New Nonmandated Program for People Who Cause ... A Review of the Role of Trustworthiness in the Provision of. Community-Based Services for Intimate Partner Violence Survivors.” Trauma, Violence, & Abuse.

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06765122?locStr=United+States&country=United+States&aggFilters=status%3A

Program for Alleviating and Reducing Trauma and Stress ... Details for study NCT06765122, | ClinicalTrials.gov.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3733335/

Intimate Partner Violence Outcomes in Women with PTSD and ... Studies have shown strong associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) and both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders ...

8. cdc.gov cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/ipv-prevention-resource_508.pdf

Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Resource for Action However, when outcomes are specific to TDV, we will note that. IPV (also commonly referred to as domestic violence) includes “physical violence, sexual violence ...