The strength to move on: An intervention to invigorate women exposed to intimate partner violence

Research questionsIn research and practice there is a striking lack of development of interventions that help women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) to break free from the impacts of violence.

In collaboration with 15 Swedish women’s shelters, the project evaluates an intervention with practical exercises intended to strengthen specified psychological and bodily abilities, to help women break free from and thrive after IPV.Research questions:RQ1: How can the intervention be integrated in and contribute to the regular activities of women’s shelters?RQ2: What effects does the intervention have on the target group with regard to the goal of helping them to break free from the impact of IPV?Data and MethodIn two controlled studies, trained women’s counsellors lead interventions with 72 women.

RQ1 is addressed by interpretative analysis of data from group interviews with counsellors.

RQ2 is addressed by interpretative analysis of repeated interviews with participating women and statistical analysis of repeated self-reports of quality of life, mental health, self-compassion and value-oriented living.The qualitative methods yield information about the counsellors’ and women’s experiences of the intervention and basis for its further development.

The quantitative methods yield generalizable conclusions as a knowledge base for societal actors and authorities.

Collaboration with the shelters enables tailoring to their operating conditions.RealisationStudy 1 (spring 2023) is conducted in Uppsala women’s shelter. Study 2 (2023-2024) scales up to 14 women’s shelters. In 2025 the intervention is disseminated among Swedish women’s shelters. The results are communicated in articles, conferences, etc.

Funds cover salaries, remuneration and dissemination activities.RelevanceThe government and international bodies name IPV as one of the largest and most devastating social problems.

It erodes exposed women’s ability to exercise their human rights, meet their human needs, develop their capacities and contribute to society. Research on interventions adapted to this group is in great demand.

The project provides a well-defined intervention to help the exposed women move on, scientific basis for its effectiveness, and conditions for dissemination of the intervention via the network of women’s shelters.

Thus, it contributes to a prioritized societal development by counteracting men’s violence against women and promoting human rights and gender equality.