Pilot trial of THRIVE: A peer‐delivered sexual and intimate partner violence prevention program for women in substance use treatment

Abstract

High rates of interpersonal violence exposure and trauma‐related mental health concerns among women in substance use treatment underscore the need for violence prevention services in these settings. Peer support specialists can play a crucial role in increasing access to trauma‐focused services and overcoming barriers, such as stigma and mistrust in formal systems. We tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a peer‐delivered sexual and intimate partner violence prevention program for women in substance use treatment (THRIVE: T he H ealthy R elationships and I nterpersonal V iolence E ducation program). We conducted a single‐arm trial with 90 women recruited from outpatient and residential substance use treatment centers. Self‐report surveys assessed risk and protective factors and violence exposure over four assessment points from baseline (T1) to 3‐month follow‐up (T4). Exit interviews and survey data examined feasibility and acceptability outcomes. Results from linear mixed models indicated that participants improved on knowledge of consent ( M _T1  = 4.37, M _T4  = 4.52), p  = .004, and resources ( M _T1  = 2.09, M _T4  = 2.63), p  < .001; increased sexual self‐efficacy ( M _T1  = 4.90, M _T4  = 5.29), p  < .001; and decreased risky dating ( M _T1  = 3.37, M _T4  = 2.87), p  < .001, and physical and psychological intimate partner violence victimization (T1: 73.9%, T4: 42.0%), p  < .001. Participants reported high satisfaction and acceptability and highlighted the strengths of peers as facilitators. In sum, THRIVE offers promise as an effective, scalable violence prevention program.