RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Sexual Agency of Women Who Have Suffered from Incest(s)

This research is looking into how women who have experienced incest can better understand their bodies and feelings. It's an exploratory study, meaning it aims to learn a lot about this important topic. Women taking part will have a first meeting where they fill out a special questionnaire about their sexual agency – this essentially means their ability to make their own choices about their body and relationships. After this, they can choose to have a series of up to six personalised therapy sessions every few weeks. These sessions will help them to become more aware of their body and emotions. The study hopes to support women in feeling more in control and understanding themselves better. At the end, the questionnaire will be completed again to see what benefits the care has brought.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Denis

Enrolment target

Start

14 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

20 Apr 2025

Rape Sexual Assault Incest Assault Violence Against Women Therapy

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help women who have experienced incest or sexual assault. It's a special kind of research that aims to understand more about how these experiences affect a woman's sense of self and her ability to make her own choices, particularly regarding her body and relationships. This is often called 'sexual agency'. The researchers hope to find new ways to support women in feeling more in control and comfortable with themselves.

The study uses a gentle and supportive approach. It starts by asking women to complete a special questionnaire. This questionnaire has been created specifically for this study and helps to understand different aspects of 'sexual agency'. After this, if a woman chooses to, she can take part in a series of personalised therapy sessions. These sessions are not about talking through the past in detail, but rather about helping women become more aware of their bodies and emotions, and to get to know themselves better.

The goal of these sessions is to help women build confidence in their own feelings and choices. They are spaced out (every 2 or 3 weeks) to give participants time to think about and use what they've learned. At the end of their time in the study, participants will complete the questionnaire again. This helps the researchers and the women themselves see how the therapy has helped them feel more empowered and aware.

Key takeaways

This study aims to help women who have experienced incest or sexual assault.
It focuses on understanding and improving 'sexual agency' – your control over your body and choices.
Participation involves a questionnaire and a series of personalised body-awareness therapy sessions.
The therapy helps connect your body and emotions, promoting self-awareness.
You can stop participating at any time without any negative consequences.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be a woman aged 18 or older. You also need to have experienced incest or sexual assault. It's important that you can speak and understand French, as the study materials and therapy sessions will be in French.

You cannot take part if you do not wish to participate, or if you do not speak French. The research team wants to make sure everyone involved is willing and understands the process.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you experienced incest or sexual assault?
Do you speak and understand French?
Are you willing to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your journey will start with a first meeting. During this meeting, you'll be asked to complete a special questionnaire that helps to understand your feelings and sense of self. This questionnaire focuses on your 'sexual agency', which is about your ability to make your own choices about your body and relationships.

After this, if you're happy to continue, you'll be offered a series of up to six personalised therapy sessions. These sessions will be held every two to three weeks and each one will last about 45 minutes. The therapy is called 'psychomotor' which means it focuses on the connection between your body and your mind, helping you to feel more aware of your body and emotions. These sessions can be renewed if you and the therapists feel they would be helpful.

At the very end of your time in the study, you'll have a final meeting where you'll complete the same questionnaire from the beginning. This helps to see what benefits you've gained from the care. There are no medications involved in this study. The total duration of your participation will depend on how many therapy sessions you have, potentially lasting a few months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer several benefits, such as helping you become more aware of your body and emotions, understand yourself better, and feel more confident in your choices. While the study aims to be supportive, talking about past experiences or focusing on challenging emotions can sometimes be difficult or uncomfortable. You are always in control and have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or your relationship with your healthcare providers.

Locations (1)

Maison des femmes
Verified postcode
Saint-Denis, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What does 'sexual agency' mean?

'Sexual agency' means your ability to make your own choices and feel in control of your body, your feelings, and your relationships, especially when it comes to intimacy.

What are 'psychomotor sessions'?

These are therapy sessions that help you connect with your body and emotions. They use different techniques to increase your awareness and understanding of yourself, rather than just talking.

How long do the therapy sessions last?

Each therapy session lasts around 45 minutes and they happen every two or three weeks.

Will I have to talk about my past experiences in detail?

The study focuses on developing body and emotional awareness and your sense of self, rather than detailed discussions of past events.

Can I stop participating in the study at any time?

Yes, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any point without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect your care.

How to find out more

Emma FONT

emma.font@ch-gonesse.fr 01 34 53 21 21 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.