RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

An Evaluation of an Online Sexual Assault Resistance Program (IDEA3)

This study is testing a new online program called IDEA3 that teaches young women how to prevent sexual assault. Many young women experience sexual assault at university, so finding effective ways to help them is very important. Participants will either attend four group sessions of the IDEA3 program with a friend or a one-hour consent workshop, also with a friend. Everyone will also fill out some surveys. We will then compare how often sexual assault happened in both groups over the next year to see if the IDEA3 program makes a difference. The aim is to help young women feel safer and reduce the chances of them experiencing sexual violence.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Maryland, College Park

Enrolment target

1,920

Start

02 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Sexual Assault

What is this study about?

Sexual assault, which can range from unwanted touching to rape, is unfortunately common among young women, especially while they are at university. Around 40% of female university students experience some form of sexual assault during their time there. We know that these experiences can have many negative impacts on a person's life and health.

Because of this, it's really important to find good ways to prevent sexual assault and teach young women how to protect themselves. A program called Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act (EAAA) has already shown great success in reducing sexual assault rates by half in young women at university.

This new study is looking at a different version of that program, called IDEA3, which is delivered online. IDEA3 is a 12-hour program that teaches skills and helps young women understand how to handle difficult situations. The program aims to help them spot danger quicker, overcome worries about taking action, learn effective ways to defend themselves physically and verbally, and understand their own boundaries in relationships.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make university safer for young women.
It teaches online skills to prevent sexual assault.
Participation involves group sessions or a workshop and surveys.
You'll need to be aged 17-24 and a 1st or 2nd-year female student.
The study lasts for about one year after the initial sessions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for female university students who are in their first or second year of study. You need to be between 17 and 24 years old to take part.

It's important that you can attend the group sessions at the times they are scheduled. You also need to be willing and able to be matched with another eligible student, as you will attend the sessions with a partner.

You cannot join the study if you do not meet these requirements.

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 female university student?
Are you in your first or second year at university?
Are you between 17 and 24 years old?
Can you attend all scheduled online group sessions?
Are you willing to be matched with another student for the sessions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance. One group will take part in the IDEA3 program. This involves attending four group sessions, each lasting three hours, with a friend. The other group will attend a one-hour workshop about consent, also with a friend. Both groups will also be asked to complete several surveys throughout the study. We will then keep track of how things are going for you over the next year to see the long-term effects of the programs.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known serious risks to taking part in this study. The information from the surveys you fill out will be kept private. The potential benefit is that programs like IDEA3 have been shown to help young women reduce their risk of sexual assault. This study is trying to understand if an online version of this program can also be effective. Participating in studies is always voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect any care you receive.

Locations (6)

University of Central Florida
Verified postcode
Orlando, United States· Recruiting
University of Maryland
Verified postcode
College Park, United States· Recruiting
University of Michigan
Verified postcode
Ann Arbor, United States· Recruiting
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Verified postcode
Lincoln, United States· Completed
University of Guelph
Verified postcode
Guelph, Canada· Recruiting
University of Windsor
Verified postcode
Windsor, Canada· Active not recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if an online program called IDEA3 can help reduce sexual assault among young women at university.

Will I have to attend sessions in person?

The program is called 'Internet-Delivered', so the sessions are expected to be online, although you will attend them in groups.

Do I need to bring a friend to participate?

Yes, you will be matched with another student and attend the sessions with them.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You will participate in the sessions or workshop and complete surveys, and then researchers will follow up with you for one year.

What is a 'consent workshop'?

A consent workshop is a session designed to educate people about what consent means, why it's important, and how to give and receive it clearly in relationships.

How to find out more

Sarah M Peitzmeier, PhD

speitzme@umd.edu 301 405 2526 Official trial record

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