Matching services to survivor need: pilot test of a co-designed violence awareness and response model for migrant women

Research problem and specific questionsDespite being a political prioritisation for years, violence in close relationships has continued to be a widespread problem in Sweden.

Prevalence is particularly high among migrant women, who experience various barriers to support including fear of deportation and children being taken into custody, financial dependency, limited knowledge about rights and services, and discrimination.

When women do reach specialised services, they seldom offer support that meets the women’s migration and violence trauma needsWith the support of a Forte Applied Welfare Planning Grant, the research team has co-designed an awareness and response model with relevant stakeholders, including survivors.

The model encompasses: (i) an advocacy intervention delivered via open preschool, and (ii) psychosocial group support delivered by the Red Cross and National Centre for Knowledge on Men´s Violence against Women.

It represents a coherent service provision initiative with user involvement and non-profit providers of social services at the coreThis proposal sets out plans to refine and test the model.

The research will assess the acceptability, feasibility and perception of the model componentsData and methodThe project is comprised of three work packages (WPs). WP1 involves refining and testing the concept of an advocacy intervention delivered via open preschools. Design Studio workshops and Social Media Theatre Testing (N>100) will be adopted.

WP2 is a qualitative pilot test (N>20) of the refined advocacy intervention in two locations.

WP3 is a mixed-method pilot test (N>20) of group-based Narrative Exposure Therapy combined with individual safety planning. Quantitative data will be collected in a multiple baseline single-subject research design.

Qualitative data will be collected via weekly participant journaling and post-intervention interviews with participants and personnel Societal relevance and utilisationThe project has the potential to make a timely and needed contribution by facilitating interaction between migrant violence survivors and available services.

If feasibility is established, the model could support increased trust, efficiency, and ultimately better health and well-beingPlan for project realisationThe project will be conducted over 3-years with costs primarily covering personnel time, including survivor involvement in the research process. Running costs include resource development, travel and participant reimbursement