Formative Research of Community-led Primary Prevention Approaches to Address Elevated Risk of Intimate Partner Violence & Sexual Violence

The purpose of this NOFO is to build the evidence base for the prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV), including teen dating violence (TDV), and/or sexual violence (SV), in communities experiencing elevated risk of IPV/SV, including but not limited to racial/ethnic minority groups, sexual and gender minority groups, and people with disabilities. This NOFO seeks proposals to support formative research of primary prevention approaches (i.e., policies programs, or practices). Formative research involves the use of qualitative and quantitative methods to strengthen the components of the prevention approach (e.g., design and implementation, appropriateness, and acceptability), and components of the evaluation activities (e.g., instrument development, implementation evaluation, recruitment, and retention, and pilot studies). This funding opportunity will support formative research that builds capacity for a future rigorous evaluation of the selected primary prevention approach. The prevention approach selected for formative research and pilot study must be community-led, which means the approach was developed with substantial input from communities that face inequitable risk for IPV and/or SV and is being implemented in a community-based setting. IPV and/or SV prevention approaches are strongly encouraged at the community or societal levels, including those that address social determinants of health. Research activities should include at least one element of both the formative evaluation and implementation evaluation. Formative evaluation activities may include but are not limited to using mixed methods for data collection (i.e., quantitative and qualitative methods) to assess the feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of the prevention approach. Implementation evaluation activities may include but are not limited to using to using mixed methods to assess the reach, dosage, and fidelity of the prevention approach. All projects are required to conduct a pilot study, also referred to as a pilot test or effectiveness evaluation, to assess the preliminary efficacy or effectiveness of the primary prevention approach by examining changes in IPV and/or SV outcomes.