What this study is
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. The investigators have assembled an interdisciplinary expert team and Elders/Traditional Knowledge Keepers (TKKs) as well as Survivor Advisory Board (SAB) in the proposed work.
What's being tested
- Empowerment self-defense training
Intervention · BEHAVIORAL
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.
Study details
- Official title
- Development and Evaluation of a Culturally Grounded Empowerment Self Defense Program for Adult Native Women Survivors of Sexual Violence: Open Pilot Trial
- Sponsor
- University of Michigan
- Conditions
- Depression and Quality of Life · Sexual Violence · PTSD · Suicidal Ideation · Problem Drinking
- Enrolling
- 14 people
- Starts
- 2026-09-30
- Est. completion
- 2028-06-14
- Design
- Open-label, single group
- Record
- View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Who can join
Age 18 Years and overSex FEMALEHealthy volunteers Not acceptedYou may qualify if
- 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 in the program sessions and related research activities, including surveys and potential exit interviews.
Sign in and we'll check these against your records.Full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Study locations (1)
1 openWahwala Iyohlogya/Peaceful Means
Pine Ridge, South Dakota, United States
- Thalia Wilson, Project Research Coordinator, BS · Contact605-430-9575peacefulmeans@umich.edu
Study team
Sponsor
University of Michigan
Study ID HUM00291298
Frequently asked questions
The sponsor hasn't published answers to common questions for this trial.