Evaluation of a Group Programme for Women with Complex Trauma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of a 12-session group programme developed to promote stabalization, processing and integration for women presenting with complex trauma arising from child sexual abuse.
IRAS ID
240192
Contact name
Yvonne J Raybone
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
BCUHB
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 29 days
Research summary
Evaluation of a new group therapy for women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.
We are evaluating a new group therapy for women who continue to experience trauma from childhood sexual abuse. We want to find out if it is helpful and how it could be improved.
The therapy is a group programme and is being evaluated through partnership between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales, and Stepping Stones.
People abused in childhood can continue to experience lasting problems. Talking therapies help some, but speaking about what happened can be difficult. In the programme no-one has to talk about their experiences. Instead, the focus is on understanding how childhood sexual abuse can affect us, learning what we can do to reduce its effects, and building personal hopes for the future. We believe these things can provide a foundation towards recovery.
The evaluation is through questionnaires that women taking part will be asked to complete. The responses will be anonymized and analyzed to measure changes people are experiencing in their present difficulties and symptoms. We will also invite participants to give anonymous feedback during the programme.
The programme will be held in 3 different central, comfortable, and safe venues across North Wales. Each programme is for up to 8 women and will be led by NHS staff. There are 12 group sessions, each lasting 2½ hours. Sessions are one morning a week for 12 weeks. Participants will be asked to attend all sessions and to participate in different voluntary learning and creative activities.
Access to the programme is by referral from local NHS Community Mental Health Teams or the Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales and Stepping Stones. The evaluation is being funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
18/WA/0015
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion