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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 4/2018

Open Access 01-05-2018 | Original Article

The effectiveness of critical time intervention for abused women leaving women’s shelters: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Danielle A. M. Lako, Mariëlle D. Beijersbergen, Irene E. Jonker, Renée de Vet, Daniel B. Herman, Albert M. van Hemert, Judith R. L. M. Wolf

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2018

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Abstract

Objectives

To examine the effectiveness of critical time intervention (CTI)—an evidence-based intervention—for abused women transitioning from women’s shelters to community living.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in nine women’s shelters across the Netherlands. 136 women were assigned to CTI (n = 70) or care-as-usual (n = 66). Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat three-level mixed-effects models.

Results

Women in the CTI group had significant fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress (secondary outcome) (adjusted mean difference − 7.27, 95% CI − 14.31 to − 0.22) and a significant fourfold reduction in unmet care needs (intermediate outcome) (95% CI 0.06–0.94) compared to women in the care-as-usual group. No differences were found for quality of life (primary outcome), re-abuse, symptoms of depression, psychological distress, self-esteem (secondary outcomes), family support, and social support (intermediate outcomes).

Conclusions

This study shows that CTI is effective in a population of abused women in terms of a reduction of post-traumatic stress symptoms and unmet care needs. Because follow-up ended after the prescribed intervention period, further research is needed to determine the full long-term effects of CTI in this population.
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Footnotes
1
Honor-related violence is prevalent in communities with a group culture, such as cultures around the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. In the Netherlands, it also occurs among Roma, Hindu and orthodox Christian communities (Movisie 2011). Specific examples of honor-related violence are violence conducted to women who refuse an arranged marriage, women who filed for a divorce or women who behave too ‘Western’ according to family members.
 
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Metadata
Title
The effectiveness of critical time intervention for abused women leaving women’s shelters: a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Danielle A. M. Lako
Mariëlle D. Beijersbergen
Irene E. Jonker
Renée de Vet
Daniel B. Herman
Albert M. van Hemert
Judith R. L. M. Wolf
Publication date
01-05-2018
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-017-1067-1

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