2 - (SYM 12) Web-based Intervention for Reducing Intimate Partner Victimization for Perinatal Women Seeking Mental Health Treatment

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue with research suggesting that over 1/3 of women experience IPV at some point in their lifetime. The perinatal period is a particularly vulnerable time for IPV.  Studies find that as many as 28% of pregnant women experience physical, 36% psychological, and 20% sexual IPV.  Rates are similar in post-partum samples, with one study finding the prevalence of IPV during the post-partum period to be 31.4%. Although IPV is associated with significant cost and morbidity in all victims, IPV during the perinatal period is associated with deleterious risks for not only the woman (e.g., anemia, maternal death, poor mental health), but also for the health of her developing fetus or infant (e.g., perinatal and neonatal death, low birthweight, difficult infant temperament, childhood behavioral problems). Interventions are sorely needed that target IPV in this vulnerable population. Although ultimately only the perpetrator has control over the safety of their victim, women who experience IPV can be empowered to access resources and seek support which can increase their health and well-being and decrease their risk for revictimization. This presentation will describe a multi-site randomized clinical trial of a web-based intervention targeting IPV in perinatal women seeking mental health treatment. A total of 122 diverse cisgender peripartum women (64% White, 23% Black, 20% Hispanic, 7% other race/ethnicity) were randomized to SURE (Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment) or an attention and time-matched control condition. SURE is a brief, interactive program that integrates motivational interviewing and empowerment strategies. Participants completed follow-up assessments at 6 weeks, 3- 6- and 12 months post-intervention. Results find that both arms exhibited an overall decline in IPV, although no significant difference between arms emerged. However, women randomized to SURE experienced significant gains in emotional support and positive affect and wellbeing over the course of the trial relative to participants randomized to the control. Implications of findings and suggestions for research will be presented.