Empowerment Group Intervention with Women Surviving Violence: Randomized Mixed-Methods Trial

Purpose To determine whether an eight-week empowerment group boosts mindfulness-based self-efficacy, self-compassion, and authenticity in women survivors of violence. Method A sequential explanatory mixed-methods randomized controlled design was used. Twenty volunteers (25–65 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention ( n = 10) or wait-list control group ( n = 10). The intervention cohort attended weekly 90-min sessions. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-test with the Mindfulness-Based Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Authenticity Scale. Independent t-tests and Wilcoxon tests evaluated change; session field notes and exit interviews underwent thematic analysis. Results Relative to controls, participants showed significant gains in self-efficacy ( p = .002), self-compassion ( p = .001), and authenticity ( p = .009). Qualitative data revealed that the group provided a safe setting to voice trauma and rebuild coping through mutual support. Conclusion Empowerment-focused group work strengthens key psychosocial resources and supports the recovery trajectories of women affected by violence.