Self-Defense as healing: could a culturally grounded program ease trauma in native women?
NCT ID NCT07712796
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
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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
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About 14 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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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 Hide 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
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Wahwala Iyohlogya/Peaceful Means
Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 57770, United States
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