I-DECIDE: Trial of an online healthy relationship tool and safety decision aid for women experiencing domestic violence

Project Details

What’s this project about?

A safe, private online space for women to access support.

Domestic violence is a major problem in Australia. One in four women have experienced abuse at the hands of a partner. Services often struggle to meet the demand, and some women go unsupported. On the other hand, some women are reluctant to disclose to anyone, and do not want to seek help in person.

I-DECIDE provides a safe, private, online space for women to assess their relationship, weigh up their priorities, and plan for a safer future.

I-DECIDE comprises: self-reflection exercises, priority-setting and problem-solving tools, safety assessments, and an individualised action plan tailored to each woman’s circumstances and choices.

What has this project achieved so far?

The I-DECIDE project developed a website based on research evidence, international experience, consultation with women and services. The website was evaluated with 430 women nationally through a randomised controlled trial funded by the Australian Research Council. We are now in the process of updating and rebranding the I-DECIDE website for public release.

In addition, the project generated new knowledge about the benefits of online interventions for victim/survivors, and ethical and safe ways to work with victim/survivors in online trials.

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Researchers

A/Prof Laura Tarzia
Professor Cathy Humphreys 
Ms Kirsty Forsdike-Young
Ms Kitty Novy

Collaborators

Professor Angela Taft, La Trobe University
Associate Professor Lisa Gold, Deakin University
Professor Nancy Glass, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore USA
Professor Elizabeth Murray, University College London, UK
Berry Street Services
Drummond St Services
Domestic Violence Resource Centre VIC
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

Funding

Australian Research Council Discovery Project (DP130102799)

Research Group

Sexual and Family Violence: SAFE



Faculty Research Themes

Child Health

School Research Themes

Child Health in Medicine, Women's Health, Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Neuroscience & Psychiatry



Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.

Department / Centre

General Practice and Primary Care

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