Using video and text messages to help sexual violence survivors avoid PTSD and opioid misuse
Official title: "Testing a Video and Text Messaging Intervention to reduce PTSD and Opioid Misuse Among Sexual Violence Survivors"
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10932996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a short video and text message program to help people who have experienced sexual assault in the emergency room, aiming to support them and reduce the chances of developing PTSD or misusing opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $367,112 |
| NIH project number | 5R61DA059897-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have recently experienced sexual assault and are seeking medical care in an emergency department.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced sexual violence or those who are not seeking care in an emergency department may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create and test a brief video and text messaging intervention for sexual assault survivors who visit the emergency department. The intervention is designed to help prevent the development or worsening of PTSD and opioid misuse, which are common issues faced by these individuals. By delivering this intervention during emergency visits, the project seeks to provide timely support and resources to those in crisis. The approach builds on previous successful trials that showed positive outcomes in reducing mental health issues and substance use among survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of PTSD and opioid misuse among sexual violence survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar interventions in reducing PTSD and substance use among sexual assault survivors, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Katie L — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Katie L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Video and text messages to reduce PTSD and opioid problems after sexual assault
This project offers a short video in the emergency department plus follow-up text messages to help recent sexual assault survivors limit PTSD symptoms and prevent opioid misuse.
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Promoting Retention in Opioid Treatment for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence with PTSD
A new stepped-care approach helps women on opioid treatment who experience ongoing IPV and PTSD stay in treatment longer and feel better.
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WINGS+++: A brief, patient-friendly program to link IPV/PTSD care with opioid treatment for women
A short, phone-and-app based program helps women with opioid use disorders who experience intimate partner violence and PTSD connect to the right services and support.
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Helping women on medication for opioid treatment stay in care by treating PTSD linked to partner violence
A stepped care program adds PTSD-focused counseling to medication-based opioid treatment for women experiencing intimate partner violence to help them stay in treatment.
-
Understanding how racial microaggressions affect PTSD in youth victims of violence
This study looks at how small, everyday acts of racial discrimination affect the mental health of young people who have faced violence, especially focusing on Black youth, to understand how these experiences might lead to symptoms of PTSD.
-
Helping women with opioid use disorder who face intimate partner violence and PTSD
This study is testing a new support program for women dealing with opioid use disorder, intimate partner violence, and post-traumatic stress disorder, aiming to help them feel better and stick with their treatment by offering special therapy sessions in a caring setting.
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.