Recovering From Intimate Partner Violence Through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE)

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major health concern for women Veterans. IPV is associated with numerous physical and mental health conditions. VHA is implementing IPV screening programs to identify female patients who experience past-year IPV. Despite strong evidence that screening increases detection of IPV, less is established about how to intervene following IPV disclosure in health care settings, in order to improve health outcomes. Existing healthcare-based interventions result in minimal effects on health and well-being, likely because they are too brief and generic. In response, the PI has developed Recovering from IPV through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE), based on the IPV-related health care needs and preferences of women Veterans. RISE is designed to be delivered in primary care and is an individualized, variable-length, modular-based intervention that addresses * safety planning; * education on the health effects of IPV and warning signs; * increasing coping skills and self-care; * enhancing social support; * making difficult decisions; and * connecting with resources. This study is aimed at refining and evaluating RISE for use with female VA patients who have experienced past-year IPV. This brief counseling intervention is intended to be administered in conjunction with primary care, as this is a frequent point of healthcare contact for women Veterans and where disclosure of IPV is most prevalent.