Intimate Partner ViolenceEMBER-3NCT07606586
Resilience and Recovery After Intimate Partner Violence - Evaluation of the EMBER-IPV Protocol
An observational study of Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women, run by Uppsala University at 1 site in Sweden.
Trial summary
The EMBER-protocol is an intervention used at the NCK clinic at Uppsala University Hospital with the purpose of helping women utilize their resilience and strengths in order to recover after intimate partner violence. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Intimate Partner Violence, Intimate Partner Violence Against Women, Shame
- What is being tested?
- Biopsychosocial Resilience Intervention for Women Subjected to IPV
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- How many people
- 150 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSweden
- Study dates
- May 2026to Apr 2029
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: All patients at the NCK Outpatient Clinic for Women Subjected to Intimate Partner Violence or Sexual Abuse, Uppsala University Hospital who meet the eligibility criteria during the enrollment period will be asked to participate in the study.
Who may be able to join
- Women taking part of the EMBER intervention (phase A or C)
- Subjected to IPV within the past 2 years prior to enrollment
Who cannot join
- Ongoing severe intimate partner violence
- Ongoing severe substance abuse
- Severe mental health problems such as psychosis, suicidality
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
The EMBER-protocol is an intervention used at the NCK clinic at Uppsala University Hospital with the purpose of helping women utilize their resilience and strengths in order to recover after intimate partner violence. This study is conducted in order to explore how health and resilience changes during the course of the EMBER-intervention. The participants are asked to complete questionnaires before, during and after the intervention.
Read the detailed description
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex problem with extensive consequences for the individual as well as on a societal scale. In Sweden, there is a lack of accessible, cohesive, evidence-based models for biopsychosocial healthcare of survivors of IPV. A resilience-based intervention, the EMBER-protocol, has been developed at National Center for Knowledge on Men's Violence against Women (NCK) in Uppsala, Sweden. Based on cognitive behavior therapy and resilience research, the EMBER-protocol targets factors that have been found relevant for posttraumatic recovery and reorientation after IPV. The aim is to increase well-being and recovery, i.e. increase healthy functioning and reduce mental health symptoms in women who have been subjected to IPV. The protocol is conceptually divided into a stabilizing (A), a processing (B) and a reorienting (C) phase. This study is part of the EMBER-IPV-project, which purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMBER-protocol, focusing on phases A and C, which are carried out by midwives and nurses. The research question in EMBER-3 is:
How do the subjects´ self-assessed levels of the following variables change during the course of the intervention: Well-being, Resilience, Health (general, somatic, mental, sexual and social), Stress and Shame? Data will be collected by self-assessment questionnaires at start and completion of phase A, at start, after completion of 0, 2 and 4 group sessions in phase B, as well as 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention in phase C. Data will be analyzed with t-test and mixed effects models.
- Conditions
- Intimate Partner Violence, Intimate Partner Violence Against Women, Shame, Domestic Abuse, Resilience, Psychological
- Being tested
- Biopsychosocial Resilience Intervention for Women Subjected to IPV
- Keywords
- Intimate Partner Violence, Domestic Violence, domestic violence exposure, gender-based violence, Shame, Resilience, psychological, resilience intervention
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Biopsychosocial Resilience Intervention for Women Subjected to IPVBehavioural
A Resilience-Focused Intervention based on the Resilience Portfolio Model.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Women Subjected to Intimate Partner Violence | Women who are enrolled at the NCK Outpatient Clinic at Uppsala University Hospital due to having been subjected to Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse within the past 2 years, taking part of the standard intervention at the clinic. The target is to have 100 participants in two different phases of the intervention (phase A and C). Due to the fact that not all patients who take part of phase A will continue to phase C, additional participants will be recruited in order to reach the goal of n=100 in each of the two phases. Receives: Behavioral: Biopsychosocial Resilience Intervention for Women Subjected to IPV |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Well-Being
Participants complete the self assessment questionnaire Questionnaire of Wellbeing (scale 0-72 points, higher value indicates higher level of wellbeing) in connection to a visit at the NCK Outpatient Clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Secondary outcomes (12)
Subjective General Health
Participants are asked to rate their general health on a thermometer-like scale with the same procedure as in EuroQuol5Dimensions (EQ5D; 0-100, higher value indicates better health). Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effect models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Psychological Endurance
The self assessment questionnaire Psychological Endurance Scale (range 6-24, higher value indicates higher endurance) is administered to the participants in connection to their visit at the NCK Outpatient Clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed with t-tests and mixed effect models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Shame
Participants complete the self assessment questionnaire External and Internal Shame Scale (EISS; range 0.00-4.00, higher value indicates higher level of shame) in connection to a visit at the NCK Outpatient Clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Depression
Participants complete the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; range 0-27, higher values indicate higher levels of depression) in connection to a visit at the NCK Outpatient Clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Subjective Psychosocial Health
Participants are asked to rate their subjective psychosocial health on a visuoanalogue scale 100mm, in a composite measure with three items regarding how content the person has been with their mental, sexual and social health the past week. The Subjective Psychosocial Health measure has a range of 0-300 and three subscales of 0-100 each, higher value indicating better psychosocial health. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
General Somatic Pain
Pain during past week is rated on a visuo-analogue scale 0-100mm . Higher value indicates higher pain. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Subjective General Health
Participants are asked to rate their general health on a thermometer-like scale with the same procedure as in EuroQuol5Dimensions (EQ5D; range 0-100, higher value indicates better health). Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effect models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Social Support Seeking
The Social Support Seeking scale (range 6-24, higher value indicates higher level of social support seeking) is administered to patients in connection to their visit at the clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection phase A: at 0 weeks and at completion(approximately 12-20 weeks); phase C: 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow up: 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Subjective Social Support
The subject´s perception of social support available is measured by administering the Oslo Social Support Scale - 3 items (OSSS-3; range 3-14, higher value indicates higher level of perceived support) in connection to their visit at the clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Meaningfulness
The subjects´ sense of meaningfulness is measured with the Meaningfulness Scale (range 0-20, higher value indicating higher levels of meaningfulness) in connection to their visit at the clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms
Participants complete the National Stressful Events Survey PTSD Short Scale (NSESSS; range 0-36, higher values indicate higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms) in connection to a visit at the NCK Outpatient Clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Subjective Stress
Subjective Stress is measured by the Single Item Stress Questionnaire (SISQ; range 1-5, higher value indicating more stress)
Measured: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 May 2026
- Study startMay 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionApr 2029 (estimated)
- Study completionApr 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Intimate Partner ViolenceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Uppsala UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uppsala University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Carolina Överlien, Professor, Principal investigator, The National Centre for Knowledge on Men's Violence Against Women, Uppsala university
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07606586
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- EMBER-3
- Acronym
- EMBER-3
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 26 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Resilience and Recovery After Intimate Partner Violence - Evaluation of the EMBER-IPV Protocol
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07606586
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EMBER-3 / EMBER-3
- Conditions
- Intimate Partner Violence, Intimate Partner Violence Against Women, Shame, Domestic Abuse, Resilience, Psychological
- Keywords
- Intimate Partner Violence, Domestic Violence, domestic violence exposure, gender-based violence, Shame, Resilience, psychological, resilience intervention
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Uppsala UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Apr 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Apr 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The EMBER-protocol is an intervention used at the NCK clinic at Uppsala University Hospital with the purpose of helping women utilize their resilience and strengths in order to recover after intimate partner violence. This study is conducted in order to explore how health and resilience changes during the course of the EMBER-intervention. The participants are asked to complete questionnaires before, during and after the intervention.
Detailed description
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex problem with extensive consequences for the individual as well as on a societal scale. In Sweden, there is a lack of accessible, cohesive, evidence-based models for biopsychosocial healthcare of survivors of IPV. A resilience-based intervention, the EMBER-protocol, has been developed at National Center for Knowledge on Men's Violence against Women (NCK) in Uppsala, Sweden. Based on cognitive behavior therapy and resilience research, the EMBER-protocol targets factors that have been found relevant for posttraumatic recovery and reorientation after IPV. The aim is to increase well-being and recovery, i.e. increase healthy functioning and reduce mental health symptoms in women who have been subjected to IPV. The protocol is conceptually divided into a stabilizing (A), a processing (B) and a reorienting (C) phase. This study is part of the EMBER-IPV-project, which purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMBER-protocol, focusing on phases A and C, which are carried out by midwives and nurses. The research question in EMBER-3 is:
How do the subjects´ self-assessed levels of the following variables change during the course of the intervention: Well-being, Resilience, Health (general, somatic, mental, sexual and social), Stress and Shame? Data will be collected by self-assessment questionnaires at start and completion of phase A, at start, after completion of 0, 2 and 4 group sessions in phase B, as well as 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention in phase C. Data will be analyzed with t-test and mixed effects models.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Women Subjected to Intimate Partner Violence | – | Behavioral: Biopsychosocial Resilience Intervention for Women Subjected to IPVWomen who are enrolled at the NCK Outpatient Clinic at Uppsala University Hospital due to having been subjected to Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse within the past 2 years, taking part of the standard intervention at the clinic. The target is to have 100 participants in two different phases of the intervention (phase A and C). Due to the fact that not all patients who take part of phase A will continue to phase C, additional participants will be recruited in order to reach the goal of n=100 in each of the two phases. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- All patients at the NCK Outpatient Clinic for Women Subjected to Intimate Partner Violence or Sexual Abuse, Uppsala University Hospital who meet the eligibility criteria during the enrollment period will be asked to participate in the study.
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Women taking part of the EMBER intervention (phase A or C)
- Subjected to IPV within the past 2 years prior to enrollment
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Ongoing severe intimate partner violence
- Ongoing severe substance abuse
- Severe mental health problems such as psychosis, suicidality
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Biopsychosocial Resilience Intervention for Women Subjected to IPVA Resilience-Focused Intervention based on the Resilience Portfolio Model. | Behavioural | Women Subjected to Intimate Partner Violence |
Primary outcome
Well-Being
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Participants complete the self assessment questionnaire Questionnaire of Wellbeing (scale 0-72 points, higher value indicates higher level of wellbeing) in connection to a visit at the NCK Outpatient Clinic. Change from pre to post is analyzed using t-test and mixed effects models.
12 secondary outcomes
Subjective General Health
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Psychological Endurance
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Shame
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Depression
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Subjective Psychosocial Health
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
General Somatic Pain
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Subjective General Health
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Social Support Seeking
Time frame: Data collection phase A: at 0 weeks and at completion(approximately 12-20 weeks); phase C: 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow up: 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Subjective Social Support
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Meaningfulness
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Subjective Stress
Time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Intimate Partner Violence
Not yet recruiting
The Development of a Transdiagnostic Intervention to Improve Social Functioning and Intimate Relationships Among Veterans
Alcohol Problems, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Recruiting
Adjunctive Motivational Alcohol Intervention to Prevent IPV
Alcohol Use and Intimate Partner Violence
Recruiting
SER Familia: A Family-Based Intervention Addressing Syndemic Conditions Among Latino Families
Substance Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Recruiting
RISE Versus Advocacy-based Enhanced Care as Usual for Patients Experiencing IPV
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Not yet recruiting
Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy for Male Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators With Personality Disorders
Intimate Partner Violence, Personality Disorders
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Carolina Överlien, Professor principal investigator
The National Centre for Knowledge on Men's Violence Against Women, Uppsala university
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women, run by Uppsala University at 1 site in Sweden.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Sweden. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Tove Filén, PhD-student (+46186170785, tove.filen@nck.uu.se), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Well-Being (time frame: Data collection intervention A at 0 weeks and at completion (approximately 12-20 weeks); intervention C at 2 weeks pre-group and at start, middle and end of group intervention (0, 2 and 4 weeks); follow-up 6 weeks and 6 months post-group-intervention.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 May 2026.