Self-Defense as healing: could a culturally grounded program ease trauma in native women?

NCT ID NCT07712796

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Not yet recruiting This study
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By invitation only
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Paused for now. It may or may not start again.
Ongoing
Running, but no longer taking on new participants.
Completed
The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.
Stopped early
Stopped early, before it reached the end. That can be for many reasons, including safety.
Cancelled
Cancelled before anyone took part.

Expanded access (not trials)

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Expanded access (ended)
Not a trial. The treatment could once be requested outside a study, but no longer can.
Approved
The treatment has been approved, so it is available normally rather than through this programme.

When the status isn't known

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First seen Jul 20, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This pilot study tests a culturally adapted empowerment self-defense program for Indigenous women (including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Two Spirit individuals) who have experienced sexual violence and currently have moderate to severe depression or PTSD. The program teaches personal safety, boundary setting, and communication skills in a small-group, trauma-informed setting. Researchers aim to see if it reduces depression and PTSD symptoms, building on evidence from other populations.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
empowerment self-defense training
What this could lead to
If successful, this program could offer a culturally grounded, community-based way to reduce depression and PTSD symptoms among Indigenous women survivors of sexual violence.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 14 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The program is new and untested in this population, and its benefits are uncertain.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 14 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Sep 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Jun 2028

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Female participants only

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Identify as Indigenous (including American Indian or Alaska Native), including individuals who identify as multiracial and Indigenous. * Identify as a woman, trans woman, and/or Two Spirit.. * Be 18 years of age or older. * Have experienced sexual violence or unwanted sexual experiences. * Report moderate to high levels of Meet criteria for depression and/or PTSD. * NOT report high risk for suicidality * NOT report active psychosis * Live on or near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. * Be able to read and speak English. * Report an ability and willingness to participate in the program sessions and related research activities, including surveys and potential exit interviews.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

How to take part

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  1. The places running it

    1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.

  2. The official record

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  3. A doctor treating you

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Wahwala Iyohlogya/Peaceful Means

    Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 57770, United States

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