Abstract
Problem Significance
Sexual assault is a highly traumatic experience, with estimates of 30–50% of sexual assault survivors developing symptoms of PTSD. Black women are subjected to the intersection of racism and sexism, placing them at a higher risk for sexual violence. As a result, Black women endure higher trauma exposures, increasing their risk of developing PTSD.
Analysis and Objectives
This intervention aims to develop a culturally relevant sexual assault survivorship group for Black women to decrease the prevalence of PTSD symptomology in this population in Sacramento County. This is achieved by increasing social support and understanding of PTSD in the priority population.
Intervention (Solution)
Proposal
The Liberation Circle is a seven-week program influenced by strategies of health education and the Sister Circle. The Sister Circle is a culturally relevant framework that centers a shared cultural experience of authentic trust between Black women. In this intervention, educational topics such as survivorship of sexual, historical, generational trauma, and PTSD symptomology are discussed alongside strategies and activities of psychological debriefing, trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), coping skills therapy, and psychoeducational.
Recommendations and Conclusions
This project is a culturally specific, educational, support-building intervention intended to meet the needs of Black female-identified survivors in Sacramento County. The potential impact of the Liberation Circle will improve health outcomes of Black female sexual assault survivors by reducing and preventing the occurrence of PTSD symptomology.