Study of a Phone-Based Case Management Approach for Female Victims of Violence After Forensic Medicine Consultations

What this Trial Is About

Women who have experienced interpersonal violence often face a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. In France, female victims can request a medico-legal examination at a clinical forensic medicine unit, which also offers initial psychological assessment. However, many women do not attend follow-up appointments. This research is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of a case management algorithm that uses early phone contact to improve clinical outcomes after such consultations for female victims of violence. Participants are divided into two groups. The experimental group, called VIGITRAUMA, will receive a phone call three weeks after their consultation, with a second call if needed. If contact is not made after the second call, a postcard will be sent. The control group will receive the usual follow-up care without this additional phone contact. The study is conducted by the University Hospital, Lille. Participants will be assessed through phone calls at 3, 6, and 12 months after their consultation to monitor clinical outcomes. Researchers will measure PTSD symptom severity, general psychopathology, somatic symptoms, medical costs, judicial outcomes, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. The study aims to track these outcomes over a full year to understand the impact of the case management algorithm compared to standard care.

A Case Management Algorithm for Women Victims of Violence