Empowerment Program for Intimate Partner Violence

(SURE Trial)

Overseen By Caron Zlotnick, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Disqualifiers: Severe IPV, Spyware risk, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 1 session

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a new program called "Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment" (SURE) can reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) among perinatal women seeking mental health care. Researchers seek to compare the effectiveness of this program to that of a standard support group. Women who are pregnant or have had a baby in the past year, have experienced partner abuse in the past year, and are already seeking mental health treatment might be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance support for women facing similar challenges.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on an intervention for intimate partner violence, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that the SURE intervention is safe for perinatal women?

Research shows that the Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment (SURE) program is generally safe for participants. Studies on similar programs indicate that these interventions usually do not cause harmful side effects. Instead, they often help reduce issues like depression, anxiety, and violence for people who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV).

For example, a review of online IPV programs found that they can effectively support mental health without causing major problems. This suggests that programs like SURE are safe for participants. While detailed safety data specifically for the SURE program is not available, evidence from related studies shows that such programs are safe and helpful for IPV survivors. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike other approaches to addressing intimate partner violence, the "Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment" (SURE) program is unique because it is deeply rooted in theory and backed by empirical support. This means it's designed based on a solid understanding of relationship dynamics and has evidence suggesting its potential effectiveness. Researchers are excited about SURE because it offers a fresh, structured method to empower individuals in their relationships, which could lead to more sustainable and positive changes compared to traditional support systems. By providing a targeted, theory-driven intervention, SURE could redefine how we support those affected by intimate partner violence.

What evidence suggests that the SURE program is effective for reducing IPV?

Research has shown that the "Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment" (SURE) program, which participants in this trial may receive, might help reduce intimate partner violence (IPV). Previous studies have found that programs like SURE, designed with an understanding of trauma and strategies to change thinking and behavior, have been effective in similar situations. These programs aim to change harmful ways of thinking and acting. Early evaluations suggest that these methods are not only well-received but also helpful in addressing IPV. While SURE is new, it is based on proven methods that have helped reduce violence in relationships. Another group in this trial will receive an attention, time, and information-matched control, serving as an active comparator. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Caron Zlotnick, PhD

Principal Investigator

Women and Infants Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for pregnant women or those who had a baby in the last year, aged 18-45, seeking mental health care and have experienced partner abuse within the past year. Participants must understand English and be able to consent.

Inclusion Criteria

You have reported experiencing partner abuse within the last year, as determined by the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST).

You are pregnant.

Are in treatment or looking for treatment for mental health at one of the study site clinics

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to understand and agree to the study's procedures and risks.

I cannot understand English.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the SURE intervention or control condition, including a computer-delivered session and a phone booster

1 session

1 computer-delivered session, 1 phone booster

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment through follow-up assessments

12 months

Follow-up assessments at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Attention, time, and information matched control
• Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment (SURE)

Trial Overview The study tests if 'Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment' (SURE) can better reduce intimate partner violence compared to a control group receiving equal attention and information during perinatal mental health treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment (SURE) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Theory-driven and derived from empirical support

Group II: Attention, time, and information matched control Active Control 1 Intervention

Well-validated

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Lead Sponsor

Trials

119

Recruited

59,200+

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Collaborator

Trials

2,103

Recruited

2,760,000+

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714420300896

A multisite randomized clinical trial protocol Discussion. SURE represents the first IPV risk reduction intervention ... Chen et al. Birth outcomes in relation to intimate partner violence. J. Natl ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8591632/

Examining Strength at Home for Preventing Intimate ... The Strength at Home (SAH) intervention, a trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioral intervention for intimate partner violence (IPV) was examined in a sample ...

3. psychiatrist.com psychiatrist.com/jcp/rct-intervention-for-intimate-partner-violence-veterans/

Recovering From Intimate Partner Violence Through ... This RCT focused on a psychosocial counseling intervention for women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Outcomes such as ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9320416/

Initial Evaluation of the Clinical Effects of RISE ... MI-based approaches have support for their acceptability and clinical utility for addressing IPV and other forms of interpersonal violence [45, ...

5. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10896-025-00891-4

Systematic review on the treatment of emotional abuse ... Therefore, identifying effective treatments for emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) is pivotal in addressing and improving the management ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9419475/

Technology‐based and digital interventions for intimate ... We included RCTs targeting depression, anxiety, PTSD outcomes, and victimization outcomes (physical, sexual, and psychological violence) among IPV survivors ...

7. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10497315221087232

Virtual Support and Intimate Partner Violence Services PurposeThis article reports on a scoping review that maps the empirical research on virtual intimate partner violence (IPV) interventions.

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/10/1008

Improvements in Safety Outcomes Following Brief ... Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common consequence of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV-related TBI contributes to adverse ...