Testing a Talkstory Intervention to create Supportive and Safe Violence-Free Communities for Women

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a significant public health issue requiring community-based solutions.
• Existing interventions often lack community-led design and focus, limiting cultural relevance and sustainability.
• Empowering communities to address IPV is crucial for effective prevention and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a community-designed and led talkstory intervention aimed at increasing awareness of intimate partner violence (IPV).
• To decrease the acceptability of IPV within participating communities.
• To foster community leadership and sustainable initiatives to address IPV.

Main Methods:

• A single-group, pre-post-test design was employed to assess the intervention's impact.
• The intervention involved five talkstory sessions delivered over seven months to community groups.
• Data were collected through pre- and post-testing of 92 participants, with follow-up measures at 1 and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated decreased acceptability of violence and increased awareness, knowledge, and confidence regarding IPV.
• Community leaders involved in the intervention acquired valuable facilitation skills.
• Intervention groups initiated and continued other IPV awareness activities post-study.

Conclusions:

• Community-designed and led interventions are effective in increasing IPV awareness and reducing its acceptability.
• Engaging community leaders enhances intervention delivery and promotes sustainable, community-driven efforts to address IPV.
• This approach fosters enhanced safety and wellbeing for women experiencing violence through culturally relevant strategies.