108 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

FLARE for Teen Dating Violence

MR
RC
Overseen ByRobert Coulter, PhD
Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program called FLARE, which aims to prevent teen dating violence among sexually and gender diverse youth and their trusted adults. The program includes in-person, virtual, and self-paced activities to foster healthy relationships. The trial seeks teens aged 14 to 18 who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, or nonbinary, speak English, can travel to Pittsburgh, and have a caregiver who can participate with them.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could positively impact many young people's lives.

What prior data suggests that the FLARE intervention is safe for adolescents?

Research has shown that programs to prevent teen dating violence can be effective, though results vary across different programs. Some studies suggest these programs might reduce physical dating violence among teens, but overall evidence remains uncertain.

The FLARE program aims to prevent relationship abuse among LGBTQ+ youth and their caregivers. Although specific safety data for FLARE is unavailable, it is important to recognize that it is a program, not a medication or medical procedure. This suggests it is likely safe, as it involves in-person and online sessions focused on education and support rather than physical risks. Participants typically engage in discussions and activities, which are generally considered safe.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the FLARE intervention for teen dating violence because it offers a new approach to addressing this critical issue. Unlike traditional methods that might focus on counseling or educational programs, FLARE aims to provide a structured, proactive intervention that can be implemented directly with teens. This could potentially lead to more immediate and impactful changes in behavior and awareness. Additionally, the option for participants in the wait list control to eventually receive the intervention ensures that more teens may benefit from the program, expanding its impact beyond the initial trial.

What evidence suggests that the FLARE intervention is effective for preventing teen dating violence?

Studies have shown that programs like FLARE can help reduce physical and sexual dating violence among teens. One study found a 22% decrease in such violence linked to these programs. Similar initiatives have also succeeded in preventing emotional abuse. Research indicates that educating and supporting both young people and their caregivers can foster healthier relationships. This trial will evaluate the FLARE intervention, which participants may receive, as a promising method to prevent dating violence among youth of diverse sexual and gender identities.23467

Who Is on the Research Team?

MI

Maya I Ragavan

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

RC

Robert Coulter

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for sexual and gender diverse teens and their trusted adults who want to learn about healthy relationships and preventing dating violence. Both the adolescent and caregiver must be willing to participate together.

Inclusion Criteria

Caregiver uses English
My caregiver is willing to travel to Pittsburgh for one visit.
SGDY identifies as sexually or gender diverse (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, or nonbinary)
See 8 more

Exclusion Criteria

Incarcerated during the study
I am not able to give verbal or written consent for the study.
Does not meet eligibility criteria

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the FLARE intervention, which includes 1 in-person full day session, 2 virtual large group sessions, and several asynchronous components over a 4 week period

4 weeks
1 in-person session, 2 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in behavioral outcomes and intervention acceptability

3 months
Follow-up assessments at 1 month and 3 months post baseline

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • FLARE

Trial Overview

The study is testing FLARE, a relationship abuse prevention program with in-person, online, and self-paced activities designed for LGBTQ+ youth and their caregivers. A resource guide may also be provided.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Wait list controlExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: FLARE interventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pittsburgh

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,820
Recruited
16,360,000+

Office of Violence Against Women

Collaborator

Richard King Mellon Foundation

Collaborator

Trials
2
Recruited
260+

Citations

Efficacy of Interventions to Prevent Physical and Sexual ... - PMC

Overall, interventions were associated with reduced physical and sexual dating violence (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.89; P < .001). Separate ...

Teen Dating Violence as a Public Health Issue

Studies have found that teen dating violence affects 9% to 35% of adolescents (National Council on Crime and. Delinquency 2008), depending upon differences in ...

Teen Dating Violence

Data collected at a short one-month follow-up indicated that the Safe Dates program was effective in preventing psychological, physical, and sexual abuse.

Teen Dating Violence | Intimate Partner Violence Prevention

Discover the latest data about teen dating violence, its outcomes, and ways to prevent it.

Up to 19% of teens experience dating violence. ...

up to 19% of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence, as many as 65% report being psychologically abused. Other studies suggest ...

Understanding Teen Dating Violence: Practical screening and ...

The results of the study revealed women who were exposed to TDV reported considerably higher rates of depression, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem when ...

Teen Dating Violence Prevention Resources - 2025 Update

Over 70% of women and over 60% of men first experienced intimate partner violence (sexual or physical violence, and/or stalking) under the age ...