Study of a Doula Support Program Compared to IPV Advocate Services for Pregnant Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a doula intervention compared with an active control in reducing intimate partner violence IPV among perinatal IPV survivors. This two-armed randomized clinical trial involves perinatal people who experience IPV and aims to measure changes in IPV and related outcomes such as substance use, mental health symptoms, and basic needs over 12 months. The study also explores factors influencing intervention effects and implementation outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The doula group receives support from IPV-trained community doulas starting prenatally around 22 weeks gestation and continuing through birth to six months postpartum. These doulas provide full-spectrum services including clinic visit attendance, delivery support, telephone and virtual check-ins, resource connections, and a trauma-informed perinatal workbook. The active control group receives two structured check-ins from IPV advocates provided by a victim services agency, including one prenatal and one postpartum visit, plus access to a 247 helpline. During the study, participants complete assessments at enrollment and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-enrollment. Researchers collect data on various types of IPV, substance use, depression, anxiety, unmet basic needs, and intermediate factors like resource use, trust, parenting stress, empowerment, and social support. The study lasts about one year per participant, with ongoing monitoring of intervention effects and implementation experiences.

Clinical Trial to Reduce Perinatal Intimate Partner Violence