Program to reduce trauma and stress for individuals involved in intimate partner violence

Program for Alleviating and Reducing Trauma and Stress for Intimate Partner Violence

NA · Cambridge Health Alliance · NCT06765122

This study is testing a new group program to help people who have been court-ordered for domestic violence deal with their trauma and stress in a supportive environment.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorCambridge Health Alliance (other)
Locations2 sites (Malden, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06765122 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program investigates the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based treatment designed for individuals court-mandated after committing acts of domestic violence. It consists of three phases: an initial 4-week introduction, followed by two 8-week phases focusing on personal insights and unburdening trauma. Participants will engage in weekly group sessions and monthly individual sessions with a trained clinician to enhance their experience and address personal challenges. The program aims to fill a gap in effective interventions for those with trauma backgrounds related to intimate partner violence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male-identifying individuals residing in Washington state who have been court-referred for using violence in intimate relationships.

Not a fit: Patients who are not male-identifying or those without stable housing or internet access may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce trauma, stress, and violent behaviors among participants, leading to healthier relationships.

How similar studies have performed: Previous interventions have highlighted a gap in effective treatments for intimate partner violence, suggesting that this approach may be novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Must be male-identifying or prefer to be in a male-identifying group; Must be a resident of Washington state; Must be court-referred to a treatment program for using violence with an intimate partner; Have sufficient English fluency and literacy skills to understand the consent process, procedures and questionnaires and have the ability to provide written informed consent; Have access to the internet and an electronic device with adequate data capacity; to complete questionnaires online and attend online video conference groups; Must be available and willing to attend 17 out of 20 scheduled online group sessions; and Must be available and willing to complete the online computerized assessments and phone interviews.

Exclusion Criteria:

Insufficiently stable housing or internet connection to be able to join at least 17 sessions; Current participation in another experimental research study; Expected medical hospitalization in the next six months from study enrollment period; Current or expected physical incarceration in the next six months from study enrollment period; Inpatient hospitalization for mental health, substance use, suicide attempt or self-harm within past three months; Inability to participate safely in the study intervention and without disrupting the group (in the opinion of principal investigator OR meeting any of the following criteria) Past year history of a psychotic disorder or clinician confirmed active psychosis assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5); Bipolar I disorder history or current severe level of mania assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5); Acute suicidality with intent will be excluded from the study (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 \[SCID-5\]); High levels of Psychopathy as defined by self-report psychopathy checklist (SRP-4); Self-injurious behavior in past three months will require clinical assessment prior to participation in the program; Acute homicidality with plan and/or intent; Severe personality disorder with clinical history that would suggest potential disruptions within the group as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5); and/or Inability to join a group without intoxication.

Where this trial is running

Malden, Massachusetts and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Interpersonal Violence, Interpersonal Violence, domestic violence, Program For Alleviating and Reducing Trauma and Stress

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.