The Effectiveness of a Brief Early Intervention of Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization Protocol for Victims of Sexual Violence (ASSYST-SV).

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Behavioral - ASSYST-VS Protocol: The ASSYST-SV protocol consists of three sessions, each lasting approximately 90 minutes, ideally delivered once per week over a three-week period. The intervention includes: Session 1: Psychoeducation: Explanation of typical responses to sexual trauma, providing information about the recovery process, and establishing a strong therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist. Sessions 1-3: Emotional self-regulation using trauma-sensitive yoga exercises adapted for survivors of sexual violence. Sessions 2-3: Trauma desensitization using EMDR-informed techniques, including bilateral stimulation and self-applied tools such as the Butterfly Hug. Safety procedures and closure are included in all sessions to ensure emotional containment and promote participant well-being. The intervention is delivered by trained professionals in specialized support services for victims of gender-based violence.

Study summary

TThe main objectives of this research project are twofold: (1) to conduct a narrative review of the scientific literature on the efficacy and effectiveness of psychological interventions for reducing acute post-traumatic stress symptoms in survivors of sexual violence, and to provide a solid theoretical framework on the consequences of sexual victimization and the use of EMDR interventions in this population; and (2) to develop and test an adapted version of the ASSYST protocol of Jarero´s team for survivors of sexual violence (ASSYST-SV), evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility in reducing acute stress symptoms in women who have experienced sexual violence.

This is an exploratory quasi-experimental study with a single-group pre-post design and follow-up assessments. The intervention will be delivered to women receiving care in specialized services for survivors of gender-based violence in Catalonia and Madrid. Assessments will be conducted at three time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Data will be collected through a combination of clinician-administered and self-report questionnaires.

This trial is part of a larger research project (NCT05619822) that includes several related studies. Each study addresses a specific population and/or intervention, but all share the overarching aim of examining the efficacy of a comprehensive third-generation protocol for individuals with comorbid trauma and other mental health conditions.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in posttraumatic stress symptoms — Before the intervention (baseline) Immediately after the intervention (3 weeks) 3-month follow-up
  International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ; Cloitre et al., 2018) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) symptoms based on ICD-11 criteria. Administration: Self-administered online via a Qualtrics link. Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity of PTSD and CPTSD

Trial sites (1)

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