Adapting Psychological Advocacy Towards Healing for older women
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A-PATH: Adapting Psychological Advocacy Towards Healing for older women affected by domestic abuse
IRAS ID
360331
Contact name
Vasiliki Orgeta
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2025/12/38 social research, Data protection
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Older women who have experienced domestic abuse often face different challenges from younger women. They may have lived with abuse for many years, feel isolated, or have health problems that make it harder to get help. This study aims to adapt an existing support programme called Psychological Advocacy Towards Healing (PATH) so it better meets the needs of women aged 60 and over. PATH helps women recover from the emotional effects of abuse, rebuild confidence, and make plans for a safer future.
The study has three main parts.
1. Adapting the programme:
We will work closely with older women who have experienced abuse, as well as domestic abuse workers and health professionals, to adjust the PATH programme so it is suitable, safe, and relevant for older women.
2. Improving access and referrals:
We will explore the best ways for NHS services, community organisations, and domestic abuse agencies to identify and refer older women who might benefit from the programme.
3. Testing the adapted programme:
We will run a small trial with 76 women. Half will receive standard advocacy support (help with safety, housing, and practical needs), and half will receive the new adapted PATH support, which also includes emotional and psychological help. This will help us see whether the programme is acceptable and practical to deliver.
At the end, we will interview some of the women and practitioners to hear about their experiences.
Keeping women safe is an important priority. All contact will be private and sensitive, and information will be kept confidential. Researchers are trained to work safely with women who have experienced abuse, with support available through our partner organisation Hourglass.
The findings will help decide whether a larger study should be carried out in the future to test the benefits of the adapted PATH programme.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0105
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion