Statement of Purpose We describe research participation experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic among Black and Latina women with lifetime exposures to IPV.

Methods/Approach Data are drawn from two research studies with similar scientific goals – examine sexual health and prevention behaviors of women experiencing IPV. Combined analytic dataset (N=194) included Black 16 to 24 year old (n=84) and Latina 18 to 35 year olds (n=110) recruited via social media and enrolled July 2020 and June 2021. RA-administered survey interviews using Zoom. Post-survey, respondents answered four brief questions to elicit feelings about participation in research; how their data should be used; ideal community programs; and important aspects of women’s sexual health knowledge. Data were managed in Dedoose® and organized thematically.

Results Majority were ages 18–30 (69%), educated beyond high school (71.6%), employed (61.3%), and childless (79.9%). The first theme, ‘Support’, described a welcoming environment - ‘...some of the topics are difficult, so having the warnings was helpful,’ and ‘I liked that there were times for breaks.’ The second theme, ‘Self-Awareness’ described an opportunity for introspection - ‘...made me aware of certain things I still need to work on.’ The third theme ‘Giving Back’ described participant beliefs their participation can make change - ‘Hopefully, you can use it to help the community and Baltimore youth.’ Some differences between groups were noted. Black participants emphasized importance of confidentiality, ‘keep things anonymous’ and reported participation felt familiar - ‘I feel like I answered them [questions] before in a doctor’s office’. Latinas described an opportunity for dialogue - ‘open up things in our culture we do not talk about.’

Conclusion Participants described research participation as an opportunity to build communities and collectively navigate socio-cultural, barriers associated with IPV. There is a need for research and practice to be culturally inclusive and responsive.

Significance These data can inform multiple areas of injury/violence prevention research and programmatic design.