Digital support to help women feel safer, healthier, and more empowered after interpersonal violence
Being Safe, Healthy, and Positively Empowered (BSHAPE): A Digital Multicomponent Intervention to Improve Health and Safety Outcomes for Individuals with Cumulative Exposures to Violence
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11128361
A trauma-informed phone and web program for women with histories of repeated interpersonal violence that aims to improve mental and physical health, reduce stress, and increase safety and empowerment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11128361 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would use a trauma-informed digital program (BSHAPE) on your phone or online that offers tailored content for stress, safety planning, and health resources. The team refined the program using feedback from a pilot group and interviews to make the app easier to use and more helpful. Next, they will enroll about 676 eligible women and randomly compare people who get the BSHAPE program to another approach, following participants over time with surveys and check-ins. The study tracks changes in mental health, safety-related empowerment, and physical health outcomes to see if the program helps in everyday life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women who have experienced cumulative interpersonal violence (including childhood abuse or repeated adult exposures) who are willing and able to use a phone or online program and meet the study's eligibility rules.
Not a fit: People without a history of interpersonal violence, people who are not women, or those without reliable access to a smartphone/internet or who prefer only in-person services are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide an accessible, private digital tool that helps women with violence histories reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and enhance safety and health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: A prior pilot of BSHAPE showed feasibility and acceptability with reports of reduced stress, greater self-efficacy, and improved mental health and safety-related empowerment, but larger randomized trials are needed to confirm benefits.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SABRI, BUSHRA — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SABRI, BUSHRA
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.