We are conducting a research study on the Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) Therapeutic Group for adult women who have experienced interpersonal trauma. We are recruiting women who would like to participate in the therapeutic group, as well as women who prefer not to participate in the group but are willing to complete a series of questionnaires.

The BEAR Therapeutic group includes psychoeducation, psychological skills, and physical empowerment (self-defense) training. The group will run for 12-weeks, for 1.5 hours once per week. The psychological skills portion of the class will cover topics such as assertiveness, communication skills, and boundary setting. In addition, we will cover basic self-defense techniques one can use to protect themselves if the need arises. This project is focusing on women who have been victims of interpersonal violence (e.g., physical, emotional, or sexual abuse/assault).

To be eligible:

• Women ages 18-70 years old
• History of physical, sexual, or emotional violence with subsequent interpersonal or emotional difficulties related to this history
• Willingness to:
  • participate in the BEAR therapy group OR
  • to completed a series of questionnaires and not participate in the therapy group

The study is at Stanford University Medical Center during the day. The 12-week program will be provided at no charge or payment to the participants. The study consists of 14 visits: one screening visit, twelve classes, and one debriefing visit. In addition, on-line questionnaires will be completed periodically throughout the study.

To complete an on-line screening: https://redcap.link/BEARscreening

For more information, contact us at (650) 724-7184 or bearstudy@stanford.edu.

All calls/contacts are confidential.