Microfinance as a Novel Tool to Decrease Intimate Partner Violence in the Nairobi Slums

Objective: To decrease poverty and IPV through a group microfinance - based poverty/IPV alleviation program. // Methods: The intervention provides micro - loans, business management training, and psycho - social support to groups of 5 - 8 female IPV survivors to start and maintain businesses. A feasibility study showed that profits per day were significantly increased and IPV was significantly reduced with this approach. This study will expand previous work to understand durability of effects and provide loans in a new community. // Expected Results: We hypothesize that this intervention will: (1) increase economic outputs and (2) decrease IPV incidence. // Significance: This project can provide essential information regarding the best methods to support entrepreneurial growth and decrease IPV among the poorest and most vulnerable populations in sub - Saharan Africa. It also may be generalizable to other areas.