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Empowerment Self-Defense Program for Native Women Survivors of Sexual Violence

This study is testing an Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) program called IMpower-Survivors for adult Native women who have experienced sexual violence. The program aims to help reduce symptoms of depression and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) by teaching personal safety skills, boundary setting, and communication strategies. You might be able to join if you are an Indigenous woman (including American Indian or Alaska Native, trans women, or Two Spirit individuals) aged 18 or older, have experienced sexual violence, and currently have moderate to high levels of depression and/or PTSD. The study will measure changes in depression and PTSD symptoms after you complete the program to see if it helps.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 14 participants. It is an open pilot trial to refine and evaluate the program's feasibility.
What's involved
You will participate in the empowerment self-defense (ESD) program delivered in a small-group format. Depression and PTSD will be measured at the start of the study and again within one week of finishing the intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your depression and PTSD symptoms will be measured within one week of the intervention's conclusion.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07712796

Empowerment Self Defense Program for Adult Native Women Survivors of Sexual Violence

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalPrevention
University of Michigan
~14 participants
Updated 2026-07-20 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Empowerment self-defense training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Depression
Measured over Past 2 weeks at pre-test (enrollment) and post-test (within 1 week of intervention conclusion).
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Depression and Quality of Life
Sexual Violence
PTSD
Suicidal Ideation
Problem Drinking

Explore related trials

DepressionPost-Traumatic Stress DisorderSexual Violence

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
South Dakota1

Who to contact

Katie Edwards (Principal Investigator),, PHD
[email protected]
734-647-8812
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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.

What this trial measures

  • DepressionPast 2 weeks at pre-test (enrollment) and post-test (within 1 week of intervention conclusion).

    Participant responses to depressive symptoms in the past two weeks using items from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The 9-item scale includes likert options ranging from 0 = Not at all to 3 = Nearly every day. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms.

  • PTSDPast month at pre-test (enrollment) and post-test (within 1 week of intervention conclusion)

    Participant responses to items from the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 to measure post traumatic stress disorder behaviors in the past month. The 20-item scale includes likert response options ranging from 0 = Not at all to 4 = Extremely with higher scores indicating more trauma related stress.