Evaluation of a Trauma-Informed Partner Violence Intervention Program

NCT06803043 | Enrolling By Invitation

• 2 other identifiers: H-45014BPS-2023C1-31039
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 800
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

The goal of this study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing outcomes between two programs to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV)- the Strength at Home (SAH) program and a standard, state-approved IPV intervention program, Treatment as Usual (TAU). Primary outcomes will include self- and partner-reported physical and psychological IPV. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported PTSD symptoms, alexithymia, alcohol use problems, and treatment satisfaction, assessed across five time points.

Conditions

Domestic Violence; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Keywords

Strength at Home (SAH); Group intervention; Motivational strategies; Justice-involved men; Alcohol use; Alexithymia

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• IPV Assessment

  The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) is a 39-item measure of individual engagement in or experience of physical or psychological violence with an intimate partner. Each item is asked about both the respondent and the respondent's partner, for a total of 78 questions.The response options include 8 choices (Categories 1-7 and 0). An answer of Category 1 or 2 is coded as the corresponding number of times the specified incident occurred (once or twice in the past year). For Categories 3-5, the midpoint of the category is coded. For example: Category 3 (3-5 times) is coded as 4, Category 4 (6-10 times) is coded as 8, and Category 5 (11-20 times) is coded as 15. Category 6 (More than 20 times) should be coded as 25. Category 7 is given a score of 0 if scores for the previous year do not reflect abuse or conflict. Total scores can range from 0 to 975 and lower scores suggest less conflict.

  Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months

• Psychological IPV Assessment

  The 7-item Restrictive Engulfment subscale of the Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse (MMEA) will be used as an additional measure of psychological IPV. Each item has 7 potential responses from 0=never to 6= more than 20 times. Scores can range from 0 to 42, with higher scores being associated with more psychological IPV.

  Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months

• Alexithymia

  Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months

• Alcohol Use

  Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months

• Treatment satisfaction

  3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months

Study Arms (2)

Strength at Home (SAH)

EXPERIMENTAL

SAH isa trauma-informed 12-week intimate partner violence (IPV) intervention program.

Behavioral: SAH

Treatment as Usual (TAU)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

TAU is a 20-week state-approved IPV intervention program.

Behavioral: TAU

Interventions

SAH BEHAVIORAL

SAH is a group trauma informed intervention that uses motivational strategies and self-monitoring of one's thoughts and responses. It provides a unique fusion of interventions for trauma and IPV and consists of 12 two-hour weekly sessions. Throughout the program, group members complete in-session practice exercises and are provided "practice assignments" to consolidate and apply information learned in group.

Strength at Home (SAH)

TAU BEHAVIORAL

TAU is a court mandated 20 week, psychoeducational/directed program that emphasizes the sharing of power and control in relationships and personal accountability. Topics also focus on equality wheels, substance abuse impacts, culture and socialization impact on gender roles, defense mechanisms versus coping skills, triggers for stress and anger, and healthy versus unhealthy communication.

Treatment as Usual (TAU)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Men court-mandated to IPV intervention from the Rhode Island Department of Parole and Probation and their partners

You may not qualify if:

• None

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute: collaborator
• Boston University: lead
• Rhode Island Hospital: collaborator

Study Sites (2)

CABU School of Medicine, Psychiatry

Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States

Location

Rhode Island Hospital

Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Alcohol Drinking; Affective Symptoms

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stress Disorders, Traumatic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders; Mental Disorders; Drinking Behavior; Behavior; Behavioral Symptoms

Study Officials

• Casey T Taft, PhD

  CABU School Medicine, Psychiatry

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Lindsay Orchowski, PhD

  Rhode Island Hospital

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: A mixed-methods approach will be used for this single site, parallel group RCT. Participants will be randomized at the individual level to Strength at Home (SAH) or Treatment as Usual (TAU), with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 27, 2025
• First Posted: January 31, 2025
• Study Start: February 13, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2028
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2028
• Last Updated: April 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (2)