Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study on the Prevention of Recidivism and the Consequences of Sexual Violence Suffered by Female Asylum Seekers in France

This study aims to find better ways to help women seeking asylum in France who have faced sexual violence. Many asylum-seeking women have experienced such violence before, during, or after arriving in a new country, which can seriously affect their physical and mental health. The research compares the usual care with a new, more organised support system. This new system involves a care coordinator and trained health workers, providing a full package of medical, psychological, and social help. The main goal is to see if this joined-up approach can prevent further sexual violence for these women and improve their overall health and quality of life in France. It also looks at how easy it is for them to get the healthcare they need.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille

Enrolment target

675

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2028

Sexual Violence Refugee Health Physical Health Mental Health Quality of Life Access to Recommended Healthcare

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a very important and sensitive issue: how to protect and support women seeking asylum in France who have experienced sexual violence. Sadly, many women seeking asylum have gone through sexual violence in their home countries, during their journey, or even after they arrive in a new country. This can have a huge impact on their physical and mental health, their quality of life, and how they use healthcare services.

The researchers want to see if a special, organised approach to care works better than the standard care these women usually receive. This new approach involves a 'care coordinator' and trained health workers who help women access different types of support – medical, psychological, social, and legal. The aim is to create a complete support system that understands their cultural background.

The main goal is to find out if this improved, coordinated care can help prevent further sexual violence from happening to these women in their new European host country. It also checks if it makes their health and lives better overall. The study will also help understand how practical and affordable this new care model is, which could influence how public services are set up in the future.

Key takeaways

The study helps women asylum seekers in France who have experienced sexual violence.
It compares standard care with a new coordinated support programme.
The new programme offers medical, psychological, social, and legal help.
The main goal is to prevent further violence and improve overall health.
Participation lasts for 18 months and involves regular check-ups.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your asylum process.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult woman, aged 18 or over. You must be seeking asylum in France, and your asylum application should have been officially registered within the last three months.

The study welcomes anyone who identifies as a woman and meets the age and asylum application criteria. Researchers will provide all information in a way that is easy to understand and culturally appropriate, using professional interpreters if needed.

You cannot join the study if you are applying to re-examine an asylum application that was made before. Also, if you have a significant memory problem or intellectual disability that would make it hard for you to understand the study information or answer questions reliably, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult woman (18 years or older)?
Are you currently seeking asylum in France?
Was your asylum application registered within the last 3 months?
Do you feel able to understand information and answer questions reliable for the study?
Are you not re-applying for an asylum case you've had before?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your participation will last for 18 months. During this time, the researchers will check in with you at the beginning of the study and then regularly (though the exact frequency isn't specified in detail here, usually it's monthly or every few months). These check-ins will likely involve answering questions about your health, well-being, and experiences. There are no medications involved in this study. Depending on where you are taking part, you might receive either the usual care or the new, coordinated care model for 12 months, followed by 6 months of usual care. The total length of the study from start to finish for all participants is about 30 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the benefit of receiving more organised and tailored support through the coordinated care model, which could improve your health and well-being. However, there are potential risks, such as having to discuss sensitive personal experiences, which might be distressing. The researchers have systems in place to support you. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care or asylum application.

Locations (6)

Maison de Santé de Saint André
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France
MSP soins premiers Villeurbanne Est
Verified postcode
Lyon, France
Maison de Santé PEYSSONEL
Verified postcode
Marseille, France
Maison de Santé Butte Sainte Anne
Verified postcode
Nantes, France
MSP Mathagon
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Maison de santé Bonnefoy Périole Roseraie
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France

Common questions

What kind of 'sexual violence' are you referring to?

The study considers any unwanted sexual act, including assault, harassment, or exploitation. The aim is to support individuals who have experienced such events.

What is 'coordinated care'?

Coordinated care means different types of support (like medical, emotional, and social help) are organised and managed together by a dedicated person, like a care coordinator, to make it easier for you to get the help you need.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and anything you share in the study will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous, meaning your identity will not be shared.

Do I have to speak French to participate?

No, you don't. The study will provide interpreters to ensure you understand everything and can communicate effectively in your own language.

Will taking part affect my asylum application?

No, your decision to participate or not participate in this study will not affect your asylum application in any way.

How to find out more

Jeremy Khouani, MD

jeremy.khouani@univ-amu.fr 0033491435903 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.