Can a doula help pregnant abuse survivors? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07165860

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether pairing pregnant survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with a trained doula can reduce abuse and coercion compared to standard advocacy. Researchers will enroll 250 participants in the Pittsburgh area and track experiences of physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse over time. The goal is to see if this community-based support improves safety and well-being during pregnancy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Doula support (trained birth companion)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new, community-based way to reduce harm and improve safety for pregnant people experiencing domestic violence.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage behavioral study with 250 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention relies on participant engagement and safety, which can be challenging.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

perinatal disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Family Medicine Department

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Magee Women's Hospital

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • The Midwife Center

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••