Could Savings-Group Interventions Be Interesting and Acceptable for Young Women Intimate Partner Violence Survivors Formerly in Foster Care?

Objective: Savings-group interventions—a form of microfinance involving a small group of individuals who meet regularly to save—have been found to decrease intimate partner violence (IPV) risk among women in countries outside of the United States, but such groups have yet to be used or tested for this purpose in the United States. This study explores whether young women IPV survivors formerly in foster care would be interested in participating in a savings group and whether IPV experiences influence this interest. Method: Survey data were collected from foster care alumnae ages 18–24 years who reported ever experiencing physical, sexual, and/or emotional IPV (n = 62). I analyzed close- and open-ended data using descriptive and regression analyses and content analysis, respectively. Results: Over half (54%) the sample reported interest in savings-group participation. There was no statistically significant association between IPV characteristics (frequency, recency, fear) and savings-group interest, but interest was significantly associated with not having full-time employment and being in a current relationship. Participants were primarily interested for social-support reasons. Uninterested or apprehensive participants reported concerns about money and participating with others. Conclusions: Savings groups may be acceptable for IPV survivors with foster care history if the groups are trauma informed and tailored to address economic and social-support needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]