Within the ZonMw programme Skilled at Work, Atria conducted a four-year study into the effects and active mechanisms of The New Future (TNF) (De Nieuwe Toekomst). This intervention aims to increase the perspective of economic independence of women with experiences of violence, thus filling a gap in the regular support offer.
Within the ZonMw programme Skilled at Work, Atria conducted a four-year study into the effects and active mechanisms of The New Future (TNF) (De Nieuwe Toekomst). This intervention aims to increase the perspective of economic independence of women with experiences of violence, thus filling a gap in the regular support offer.
Victims of partner violence
Partner violence is one of the most common forms of violence against women. Partner violence occurs within all walks of life and is linked to a complex set of risk factors. One of these risk factors is economic dependency and it is therefore important to promote women's economic independence (Bouma et. al., 2021). In addition, social or employment participation is conducive to recovery after partner violence (Bouma, 2021b).
Bridge between counselling and reintegration
Victims of partner violence face unique obstacles in their (re)integration process and need support to achieve the goal of economic independence (Peled et. al., 2016). The New Future provides this support by bridging the gap between counselling and reintegration. The aim of the intervention is to promote the economic independence of women with domestic violence experiences to prevent repeat victimisation.
TNF starts from counselling and begins with group training lasting about three months. This is followed by individual counselling by volunteer coaches for a period of about nine months. This is the starting point for further (re-)integration.
Research on effectiveness and active mechanisms
TNF was developed in 2012 and while the results of the intervention are promising, insight into whether TNF is effective relative to mainstream support has so far been lacking, and in what way, for whom and in what circumstances TNF leads to improved prospects of economic self-sufficiency for victims of partner violence.
"I discovered my qualities through The New Future. And you start to feel a bit more confident, because you can be yourself there. Also, I didn't yet have a goal for myself, for my own future, and I formed that there. Of: 'what do I want to achieve, where am I now and where do I want to go.'"
From late 2017 to early 2021, Within the ZonMw programme Skilled atWork, Atria conducted a four-year study on the effects and active mechanisms of The New Future. Central question: what is the effectiveness of TNF, how can this be explained and what are recommendations for further dissemination and implementation?
Presentation outcomes research The New Future [in Dutch - 58 minutes]
