Taking Practical Steps: A Feminist Participatory Approach to Cocreating a Trauma- and Violence-Informed Physical Activity Program for Women

Violence Against Women. 2024 Feb;30(2):598-621. doi: 10.1177/10778012221134821. Epub 2022 Nov 10.

Abstract

Trauma- and violence-informed physical activity (TVIPA) is a feasible approach to improve access/engagement in physical activity for pregnant/parenting women with experiences of trauma. Through feminist participatory action research, 56 semistructured interviews were completed to understand TVIPA. Four themes were identified: (1) "I have to be on edge": Trauma and violence pervade women's lives, (2) "It should be mandatory that you feel safe": Emotional safety is essential, (3) "The opportunity to step up and be decision-makers and leaders": Choice, collaboration, and connection create safety, and (4) "It's a good start for healing," strengths-based and capacity building foster individual and community growth.

Keywords: feminist research; participatory action research; physical activity programming; trauma- and violence-informed care; trauma- and violence-informed physical activity; women's health.

MeSH terms

  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Female
  • Feminism*
  • Humans
  • Parenting
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant People*
  • Violence