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An Exploratory Study of a Computer-Assisted Abuse Awareness and Safety Planning Program for Men With Disabilities:
Mary Oschwald1, Emily M Lund, Allyn Latorre
1a The Regional Research Institute for Human Services , Portland State University , Portland , Oregon , USA.
Abstract:
Interpersonal violence (IPV) is a serious and often unrecognized problem for men with disabilities (MWD). However, abuse awareness programs and outcome measures have not been systematically evaluated in MWD. This article reports findings from an exploratory study (n = 31) of the Safer and Stronger Program for Men with Disabilities (Men's SSP), an audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) abuse awareness program. Preliminary findings suggest it is sensitive toward detecting abuse and it allows MWD to privately and independently self-identify IPV experiences. Preliminary psychometric data on a battery of abuse and safety awareness outcome measures suggest that they are reliable in this population.
Insights
Interpersonal violence (IPV) is a significant issue for men with disabilities (MWD). The Safer and Stronger Program (SSP) effectively helps MWD privately identify abuse experiences.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Interpersonal violence (IPV) disproportionately affects men with disabilities (MWD), yet remains under-recognized.
- Existing abuse awareness programs and outcome measures lack systematic evaluation within the MWD population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the Safer and Stronger Program for Men with Disabilities (Men's SSP).
- To assess the sensitivity of an audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) program in identifying IPV among MWD.
- To examine the reliability of abuse and safety awareness outcome measures in this population.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory study involving 31 men with disabilities (MWD).
- Utilized the Safer and Stronger Program for Men with Disabilities (Men's SSP), an ACASI-based abuse awareness program.
- Administered a battery of abuse and safety awareness outcome measures.
Main Results:
- The Men's SSP demonstrated sensitivity in detecting abuse.
- The ACASI format facilitated private and independent self-identification of IPV experiences by MWD.
- Preliminary psychometric data indicated reliability for the outcome measures in the MWD population.
Conclusions:
- The Men's SSP is a promising tool for addressing IPV in men with disabilities.
- ACASI programs offer a viable method for sensitive IPV disclosure among MWD.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger, diverse samples.
