Safe Dates Program for Intimate Partner Violence

(EYP Trial)

Recruiting at 5 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

Trial Summary

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 data supports the effectiveness of the Safe Dates Program for Intimate Partner Violence treatment?

Research shows that the adapted Safe Dates program for young parents was more effective than the original in reducing intimate partner violence among teen mothers, with better outcomes in understanding how to get help and changing attitudes towards violence. Additionally, the Safe Dates program is recognized as a model for preventing teen dating violence, incorporating effective prevention principles. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Safe Dates program safe for participants?

The Safe Dates program has been evaluated in various studies and is considered a model for preventing teen dating violence. While the studies focus on its effectiveness, there is no mention of safety concerns, suggesting it is generally safe for participants. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

What makes the Safe Dates Program for Intimate Partner Violence unique compared to other treatments?

The Safe Dates Program for Intimate Partner Violence is unique because it is specifically adapted for young parents and focuses on preventing dating violence through family-based activities that promote positive communication and healthy relationships. It incorporates principles of effective prevention programs and has been shown to be more effective for pregnant or parenting teens compared to the original program. ^{1 2 3 7 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this trial is to learn how the Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) intervention affects the sexual and reproductive health behaviors, and quality of, and attitudes surrounding intimate partner relationships in adolescents and young adults (AYA) assigned female sex at birth who are pregnant or parenting. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Will the SDYP intervention have any effect on the sexual and reproductive health behaviors during the study period? * Will the SDYP intervention have any effect on the prevention or reduction of intimate partner violence (IPV)? * Will the SDYP intervention have any effect on the attitudes and beliefs about healthy relationships? Researchers will compare the behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs about sexual and reproductive health and relationships of participants assigned to the SDYP intervention group to participants assigned to the control (non-SDYP intervention) group to see if there is any difference or changes in those behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs before-and-after or without the SDYP intervention. Participants in the SDYP intervention will attend ten (10) 50-minute group sessions that will involve interactive discussions, thinking through life-like scenarios, games, role-plays, brainstorming, and a poster contest and theatrical play.

Research Team

Alexandra Minnis, PhD

Principal Investigator

RTI International

Marni Kan, PhD

Principal Investigator

RTI International

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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 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 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]

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 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 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]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Among Teen Mothers: A Pilot Study. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promising practices in the prevention of intimate partner violence among adolescents. [2019]

3. Canada 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. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Safe Dates program: 1-year follow-up results. [2022]

5. United States 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. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the effects of the dating violence prevention program "safe dates" using random coefficient regression modeling. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A feasibility study to assess the effectiveness of safe dates for teen mothers. [2016]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the effects of Families for Safe Dates, a family-based teen dating abuse prevention program. [2022]