Study Introduction

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR: lore m. dickey, PhD
As a research consultant to FORGE, counseling psychologist, lore dickey, PhD, a member of the LGBT community since 1983 is the primary analyst of this survey. dickey is working closely with FORGE staff, michael munson and Loree Cook-Daniels, to disseminate this research project, examining access to medical and social services, as well as sexual assault services by transgender people and loved ones. dickey, munson, and Cook-Daniels have conducted multiple transgender-focused research projects in the past.

PHONE: (404) 558-6726 (lore dickey) OR (414) 559-2123 (michael munson and Loree Cook-Daniels)

DEPARTMENT: Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine

STATEMENT OF RESEARCH
A person who is to participate in the research must give or waive informed consent. As this is an anonymous survey you are not required to provide informed consent. It is still important that you have an understanding of the nature and risks of the research. This form provides that information. Research projects include only subjects who choose to take part. Please take your time in deciding whether to participate. If you have questions at any time, please ask.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY?
Multiple studies, including FORGE's own research, have determined that at least 50% of transgender individuals have been sexually abused or assaulted at some point in their life. FORGE research has shown that many of these survivors never accessed healing services, despite indications that many suffered long-term effects. Based on research and experience in the field, FORGE believes the gap between survivors and service providers is generated from both sides: transgender survivors don’t know about or are afraid to access medical, mental health and/or sexual assault service providers, and sexual assault providers are not effectively or appropriately serving and/or conducting outreach to transgender people. This survey is designed to help prove or disprove this belief, and to provide enough additional detail about the barriers to guide the creation of effective interventions.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL PARTICIPATE?
We expect at least 500 people to participate in this phase of the study.

HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THIS STUDY?
Your participation in the study will last about 30 minutes.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THIS STUDY?
You will be asked to complete a series of questions. This survey asks personal questions about your connection to the transgender community, your knowledge and access to providers (including sexual assault providers), and concerns you have about seeking services. The questions are optional and you can stop the survey at any time.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THE STUDY?
There may be some risk from participating in this study. The subject matter for the survey is generally private and may be uncomfortable for you. At the end of this survey you will be provided with the names, web addresses, and telephone numbers of agencies that you can reach out to should you need assistance.

You may experience frustration when completing the survey. Some questions may be of a sensitive nature, and you may become upset as a result. However, such risks are not viewed as being in excess of “minimal risk”. If, however, you become upset by questions, you may stop at any time or choose not to answer a question.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS STUDY?
You may not benefit personally from being in this study. However, other people might benefit from this study because the results from it will be used to help ensure access to sexual assault services is available for transgender people.

WILL IT COST ME ANYTHING TO BE IN THIS STUDY?
You will not have any costs for being in this research study. Should you need to seek counseling services any costs associated with counseling are your responsibility.

WILL I BE PAID FOR PARTICIPATING?
You will not be paid for being in this research study.

WHO IS FUNDING THE STUDY?
This research project is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crimes.

CONFIDENTIALITY
The records of this study will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. In any report about this study that might be published, you will not be identified. Government agencies and the Morehouse School of Medicine Institutional Review Board may review your study record.

This is an anonymous survey, no personal identifying information will be collected. If a report or article is written about this study, the study results will be presented in a summarized manner so that you cannot be identified.

IS THIS STUDY VOLUNTARY?
Your participation is voluntary. You may choose not to participate or you may discontinue your participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

CONTACTS AND QUESTIONS?
The researcher conducting this study is lore m. dickey. You may ask any questions you have now. If you later have questions, concerns, or complaints about the research please contact lore at (404) 558-6726 or by email at: lmdickey.research@gmail.com

If you have questions regarding your rights as a research subject, or if you have any concerns or complaints about the research, you may contact the Morehouse School of Medicine Institutional Review Board at (404) 752-1500. Please call this number if you cannot reach research staff, or you wish to talk with someone else.

If you have questions about the project, please contact FORGE at (414) 559-2123 or by email at AskFORGE@forge-forward.org

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