Women Tell All: A Comparative Thematic Analysis of Women's Perspectives on Two Brief Counseling Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence.

Danielle R Shayani,Sara B Danitz,Katherine M Iverson,Stephanie K Low,Alison B Hamilton

doi:10.3390/ijerph19052513

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem that is commonly experienced by women and associated with psychosocial health issues. Recovering from IPV through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE) is a brief, clinician-administered, variable-length (1–6 sessions), modular, individualized psychosocial counseling intervention developed for women experiencing IPV. We present qualitative feedback and quantitative helpfulness ratings from women patients of the Veterans Health Administration who completed a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing RISE to a clinician-administered advocacy-based Enhanced Care as Usual (ECAU; a single structured session consisting of psychoeducation, safety-planning, resources, and referrals). Methods: 58 participants (Mage = 39.21) completed post-intervention semi-structured qualitative interviews, including helpfulness ratings, at two follow-up assessments (10- and 14-weeks post-enrollment) to assess the acceptability, usefulness, and perceived fit of the interventions for women’s needs. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a hybrid deductive-inductive analytic approach. Results: While both the RISE and ECAU interventions were deemed helpful (interventions were rated as ‘highly helpful’ by 77% of RISE and 52% of ECAU participants), differences were identified in perceived impacts of the intervention, application of content, approach to patient-centeredness, and implementation recommendations. Conclusions: Findings shed light on women Veterans’ experiences and preferences for IPV psychosocial counseling interventions. Such knowledge can inform evidence-based, trauma-informed, and individualized care for women Veterans who experience IPV and may have relevance to other populations of women who experience IPV.

Highlights

Intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, sexual, and psychological violence, is a complex population health problem
Of the 60 participants from the randomized clinical trial (RCT), 58 (28 = Recovering from IPV through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE), 30 = Enhanced Care as Usual (ECAU)) participants completed the interviews at the 10- and/or 14-week follow-up assessments and are included in the analysis (RISE: n = 1 did not complete either the 10- or 14-week assessment and n = 1 did not complete the interview portion at either assessment point, resulting in n = 28; ECAU: n = 2 did not complete 10- or 14-week assessment but because these were different participants, there was interview data at one of these timepoints for all 30 ECAU participants)
Through qualitative exit-interviews conducted in the context of a larger RCT of a new brief counseling intervention, the women Veterans in this study provided insightful feedback that can inform IPV programs and clinical practice with women Veterans who experience IPV and may have relevance to other populations who experience IPV

Summary

Introduction

Intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, sexual, and psychological violence, is a complex population health problem. According to estimates from the WHO, more than one in four (27%) women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime while one in ten women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence within the past year [1]. The impact of such violence on the physical, mental, and social health of women has been well-documented in the literature [2–4]. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem that is commonly experienced by women and associated with psychosocial health issues.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion