Safe Dates Program for Intimate Partner Violence

(EYP Trial)

Recruiting at 6 trial locations

Overseen By Marni Kan, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: RTI International

Disqualifiers: Travel plans, Unsafe conditions, others

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

600 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a program focused on healthy relationships, called Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP), affects young people's behaviors and beliefs about sexual and reproductive health. It also examines whether this program can help prevent or reduce intimate partner violence (IPV). Participants will either join ten interactive group sessions or receive standard services without the SDYP content. The trial suits individuals aged 14-21 who were assigned female sex at birth, are pregnant or parenting, and can speak English or Spanish. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how educational programs can improve young parents' lives.

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 seems focused on behavioral interventions, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required, but you should confirm with the study team.

What prior data suggests that the Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) intervention is safe for adolescents and young adults?

Research has shown that the Safe Dates program, on which the Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) is based, is well-received. Schools have used this program to help prevent dating violence among teens. Studies demonstrate that it effectively teaches young people how to have healthy relationships without causing harm to participants.

While specific safety data for the SDYP is not available, the original Safe Dates program has been widely used without reports of negative effects. Participants in Safe Dates engage in activities like discussions and role-plays, which are neither physically invasive nor risky. This program aims to educate and empower, making negative experiences related to the program itself unlikely. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) program is unique because it goes beyond standard services by specifically targeting intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention among young parents. Unlike typical care options, which may include case management and sex education without directly addressing IPV, SDYP focuses on building healthy relationships through tailored intervention activities. Researchers are excited about this approach as it directly addresses IPV, potentially leading to more effective prevention and healthier outcomes for young families.

What evidence suggests that the Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) intervention is effective for improving sexual and reproductive health behaviors and preventing intimate partner violence?

Research has shown that the Safe Dates program can help prevent teen dating violence. In this trial, participants in the "Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP)" arm will engage in activities focused on healthy relationships and intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention. Teens participating in Safe Dates report less dating violence than those who do not. The program includes engaging activities like role-playing and discussions to teach about healthy relationships. Evidence also suggests it can help prevent other types of youth violence. These programs have changed how young people think about relationships, leading to better outcomes in their intimate partner relationships. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Alexandra Minnis, PhD

Principal Investigator

RTI International

Marni Kan, PhD

Principal Investigator

RTI International

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young individuals assigned female at birth, aged 14-21, who are currently pregnant or parenting. They must be able to understand English or Spanish and provide informed consent. Participants should be willing to attend group sessions and complete study interviews over a year.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to give verbal consent to participate in the EYP study.

I can speak and read English or Spanish.

I can and will provide my contact details.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants in the SDYP intervention attend ten 50-minute group sessions involving interactive discussions, role-plays, and other activities

10 weeks

10 group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in sexual and reproductive health behaviors and attitudes towards relationships

12 months

Follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP)

Trial Overview The Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) program is being tested to see if it can improve sexual/reproductive health behaviors and attitudes towards healthy relationships in adolescents/young adults facing gender-based violence. The study compares those receiving SDYP with a control group not receiving the intervention.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive and complete SDYP intervention activities focused on healthy relationships and intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention plus standard services offered at the study site.

Group II: Standard Services Only Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will only receive standard-of-care programming that typically includes services such as one-on-one strength-based case management and comprehensive sex education. The standard services will not address IPV or healthy relationships content that composes the SDYP intervention. Referrals to additional services will be offered to all participants, as needed.

Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Safe Dates for:

• Prevention of intimate partner violence
• Promotion of healthy relationships

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

RTI International

Lead Sponsor

Trials

201

Recruited

942,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The adapted Safe Dates curriculum significantly improved responses to anger, reduced gender stereotyping, and increased awareness of resources related to teen dating violence among 41 pregnant and/or parenting teens who participated in the program.

The study suggests that this intervention may effectively change attitudes and behaviors related to dating violence, but further research with a larger sample and control groups is needed to confirm its efficacy in reducing teen dating violence incidents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A feasibility study to assess the effectiveness of safe dates for teen mothers. Herrman, JW., Waterhouse, JK.[2016]

The study outlines 9 principles of effective prevention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) among adolescents, emphasizing their importance in developing successful interventions.

The Safe Dates program is highlighted as a model that successfully incorporates all 9 principles, but its effectiveness may vary across different contexts and diverse groups, suggesting the need for tailored approaches in IPV prevention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promising practices in the prevention of intimate partner violence among adolescents. De Grace, A., Clarke, A.[2019]

The Families for Safe Dates program, a family-based teen dating abuse prevention initiative, significantly improved caregiver engagement factors such as perceived severity of dating abuse and communication skills with teens, based on a study involving 324 families over a 3-month period.

The program was also associated with a reduction in physical dating abuse victimization among teens, indicating its potential effectiveness in preventing dating abuse behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the effects of Families for Safe Dates, a family-based teen dating abuse prevention program. Foshee, VA., McNaughton Reyes, HL., Ennett, ST., et al.[2022]

The Safe Dates program showed positive effects on reducing dating violence immediately after the program, but these behavioral effects diminished by the 1-year follow-up.

However, important mediating factors such as improved dating violence norms, conflict management skills, and awareness of community resources remained significant even after a year, suggesting these aspects may need reinforcement to maintain overall program effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Safe Dates program: 1-year follow-up results. Foshee, VA., Bauman, KE., Greene, WF., et al.[2022]

A study involving 28 participants, including staff and survivors from the House of the Brazilian Woman, found that a technology-based safety decision aid (SDA) for women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered feasible and beneficial, offering flexibility, confidentiality, and access to vital resources.

Participants expressed some concerns about the SDA's effectiveness in enhancing safety and its accessibility for vulnerable women, suggesting that further adaptations are needed to better meet the specific needs of Brazilian women facing IPV.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of an Online-Based Safety Decision Aid for Brazilian Women Living with Intimate Partner Violence: Findings from Participatory-Action Research in a One Stop Center. Signorelli, MC., Costa da Silva, VL., Evans, DP., et al.[2023]

The Safe Dates Project demonstrated significant reductions in psychological, moderate physical, and sexual dating violence perpetration and victimization among adolescents over four follow-up periods, indicating its effectiveness as a school-based prevention program.

The program's success was consistent across genders and racial groups, and it was linked to changes in dating violence norms and increased awareness of community services, suggesting that these factors play a crucial role in its efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the effects of the dating violence prevention program "safe dates" using random coefficient regression modeling. Foshee, VA., Bauman, KE., Ennett, ST., et al.[2022]

The adapted Safe Dates IPV prevention program showed promising results in a pilot study with 32 pregnant or parenting teens, demonstrating better implementation and participant outcomes compared to the original program.

Key improvements included higher observer-reported adherence, greater relevance of content to participants, increased knowledge of help resources, and more positive attitudes towards preventing intimate partner violence, indicating the program's potential efficacy for this vulnerable population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Among Teen Mothers: A Pilot Study. Kan, ML., Palen, LA., Hill, J., et al.[2022]

The eMoms and Teens for Safe Dates (eMTSD) program is a web-based adaptation of an existing prevention program aimed at reducing adolescent dating violence (ADV) among teenagers exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV), involving approximately 100 mother-teen dyads over a 6-week period.

The study will assess the program's acceptability and feasibility, including the impact of text reminders and action planning on program adherence, which could enhance engagement and completion rates for families participating in the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Web-Based Delivery of a Family-Based Dating Violence Prevention Program for Youth Who Have Been Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: Protocol for an Acceptability and Feasibility Study. Reyes, HLM., Langoni, EGA., Sharpless, L., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. cdc.gov cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/php/datingmatters/the-science-behind-dating-matters.html

The Science Behind Dating Matters Learn more about how Dating Matters was developed and the evidence demonstrating its effectiveness for preventing teen dating violence.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11058563/

The Effects of the Evidence-Based Safe Dates ... Implementing Safe Dates may be an efficient way of preventing multiple types of youth violence. Keywords: Youth violence prevention, Dating abuse, Youth ...

3. blueprintsprograms.org blueprintsprograms.org/programs/44999999/safe-dates/print/

Safe Dates ... safe dates dating abuse prevention program on other youth violence outcomes. ... sexual dating violence when comparing the Booster to the Safe Dates only group.

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0884217515316154

A Feasibility Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Safe ... Assessing the effects of Families for Safe Dates, a family‐based teen dating abuse prevention program ... intimate partner violence between adolescent mothers and ...

5. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2022/8/e35487/

Web-Based Delivery of a Family-Based Dating Violence ... Background: Children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) between caregivers are at an increased risk of becoming involved in dating ...

6. cdc.gov cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/about-teen-dating-violence.html

Teen Dating Violence | Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology. It is a type of intimate partner violence that can include the following types of ...

7. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-gender-based-violence-8-2024-8ec92

Safe Dates Program for Intimate Partner Violence (EYP Trial) The study outlines 9 principles of effective prevention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) among adolescents, emphasizing their importance in ...

8. cga.ct.gov cga.ct.gov/HS/tfs/20150730_Task%20Force%20to%20Study%20the%20Statewide%20Response%20to%20Minors%20Exposed%20to%20Domestic%20Violence/20150909/Safe%20Dates%20Presentation.pdf

Safe Dates Curriculum Safe Dates is a ten session evidence based curriculum designed to prevent dating violence. Safe Dates helps teens recognize the difference between caring, ...

9. hazelden.org hazelden.org/HAZ_MEDIA/9863_safedates.pdf

Safe Dates “ The prevention of dating abuse is an important step in reducing the larger problem of violence against women. Reducing dating abuse requires.

10. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/260558048_The_Effects_of_the_Evidence-Based_Safe_Dates_Dating_Abuse_Prevention_Program_on_Other_Youth_Violence_Outcomes

The Effects of the Evidence-Based Safe Dates ... Of note, adult IPV differs from IPV in adolescence, referred to as Teen Dating Violence (TDV). Approximately one in four (or 25%) of US high ...