The Grady Nia Project: Suicide & Domestic Violence Prevention Programs

Background and Mission
The research program was founded by Nadine J. Kaslow, Ph.D. in the early 1990s. Since that time five projects, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have been undertaken. The first research project investigated both risk factors (including intimate partner violence) and protective factors for suicide. The second study investigated risk and protective factors for suicide in abused African American women. Third, the research group assessed a group intervention program for abused, suicidal African American women. The fourth project is still underway and is assessing a group intervention program for suicidal women, some of whom have experienced intimate partner violence. Fifth, the researchers are currently also evaluating a group intervention designed to prevent suicidal behavior in abused African American women who have never previously attempted suicide.

The research project was named "Nia" in 1999. "Nia" is a principle of Kwanzaa and means "Purpose." It is our hope that through involvement in our program, women will find a new sense of purpose, make a new commitment to living and live violence-free lives.

Project Description
The Grady Nia Project is a headed by Dr. Kaslow, professor and chief psychologist. The program provides services to Grady patients and staff ages 18 – 64 to increase awareness about domestic violence and reduce women’s risk for suicide.

The Nia Project offers a variety of services, including:

• A 10-week intervention/research program for African American women who have attempted suicide
• A 10-week intervention/research program for abused African American women who have considered suicide but never made a suicide attempt
• A free support group for women who have experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings: Mondays at 1p.m.
• A free support group for women who have experienced abuse: Tuesdays at 3 p.m.
• A resource room where women can find reading materials and other information about domestic violence, suicidal behavior, housing, education, childcare, employment and mental health services

Domestic Violence
Domestic violence involves not only hitting or punching but includes sexual, psychological or emotional abuse as well. It is a way that one person asserts control over another person. You may be a survivor even if you have no physical injuries.

• Every nine seconds, a woman is battered in the United States
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury in the United States
• Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children witness their mothers and female caregivers being abused
• Domestic violence is a CRIME

Suicidal Behavior
Suicidal behavior refers to thoughts about killing yourself (ideation), doing something that could end your life (suicide attempt) and killing yourself.

Feeling suicidal can be described as feeling overwhelmed by emotional pain and believing that you are unable to cope with this pain.

• In 1999, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States
• For every completed suicide, there are up to 25 suicide attempts
• Women make three times more suicide attempts than men
• Depression, substance abuse, hopelessness and partner conflict and abuse are among the leading risk factors for suicidal behavior

Are You a Victim of Domestic Violence?

• Does you partner ever make you afraid?
• Does your partner ever push or hit you?
• Does you partner tell you that you deserve to be hurt
• Does your partner try to control how you live, look, act, think and spend money
• Does you partner put you down?
• Does your partner blame you when something goes wrong?
• Does your partner often accuse you of "coming on" to other people?
• Does your partner demand sex when you say "no"?
• Do you feel as though you walk on eggshells so your partner won’t get upset?
• Does your partner often try to keep you from your friends?

Have You Made a Suicide Attempt?

• Have you taken a lot of pills to overdose?
• Have you ingested something harmful?
• Have you cut yourself?
• Have you tried to shoot yourself?
• Have you tried to hang yourself?
• Have you jumped from a high place?
• Have you placed yourself in a life-threatening situation?
• Have you intentionally tried to take your life?

How Donations Will Be Used
The intervention is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; however, funding for the study is very limited and does not cover many items. Your donations are greatly appreciated and will enable us to provide women and their children with food, beverages, basic necessities, toys, books and emergency funding for safe housing. Any contributions you make will be sincerely appreciated.