Computerized aid improves safety decision process for survivors of intimate partner violence

J Interpers Violence. 2010 Nov;25(11):1947-64. doi: 10.1177/0886260509354508. Epub 2009 Dec 29.

Abstract

A computerized safety decision aid was developed and tested with Spanish or English-speaking abused women in shelters or domestic violence (DV) support groups (n = 90). The decision aid provides feedback about risk for lethal violence, options for safety, assistance with setting priorities for safety, and a safety plan personalized to the user. Women reported that the decision aid was useful and provided much-needed privacy for making safety decisions. The majority (69%) reported severe to extreme danger in their relationship as scored by Danger Assessment (DA); only 60% reported having made a safety plan. After using the safety decision aid, the women felt more supported in their decision (p = .012) and had less total decisional conflict (p = .014). The study demonstrated that a computerized safety decision aid improved the safety planning process, as demonstrated by reduced decisional conflict after only one use in a sample of abused women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Decision Making, Computer-Assisted*
  • Decision Support Techniques*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Participation
  • Safety*
  • Sexual Partners
  • Spouse Abuse / prevention & control
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology*
  • Survivors / psychology
  • Young Adult