Prevention of intimate partner violence: Impact of a virtual case simulation training for religious leaders

Abstract: This intervention aims to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and increase access to resources for immigrant victims by enhancing the capacity of religious leaders. In a randomized clinical trial, Korean American religious leaders (n=102) of Christian denominations from two large metropolitan areas were randomly allocated to intervention (virtual simulation training) or control (educational pamphlet). They completed an online baseline survey and 3-month and 6-month follow-up surveys. Based on social cognitive theory and theory of planned behavior, the survey assessed the knowledge, attitudes, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy needed to accomplish each objective, as well as behavioral intentions and behaviors. In addition to the survey, pastors from the intervention group participated in two focus groups to provide feedback about their participation and the impact of the pandemic. Experimental effects on intervention-targeted constructs were modeled with two-way mixed-effects ANOVAs with time as the within-subjects factor and experimental condition as the between-subjects factor. Preliminary results suggest a positive change in theoretical constructs and very high satisfaction with the program; the pandemic limited the interactions with parishioners. Pastors indicated that other members of the church should complete the training and the need for additional in-person training for all church members.