The effectiveness of intervention programs for perpetrators of intimate partner violence with substance abuse and/or mental disorders: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review examines the effectiveness of psychological interventions for male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) who have substance use (SU) and/or mental health (MH) issues. The study reviewed 23 eligible studies sourced from five databases, identifying 13 different intervention programs. These were classified as specific interventions for SU among IPV perpetrators, non-specific interventions for SU, and specific interventions targeting MH issues. The findings indicate that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing techniques are the most commonly used approaches. While programs addressing substance use demonstrated some effectiveness in changing perpetrator behaviour and attitudes, the data on MH-focused interventions showed reduced symptoms and re-assault rates, but with no significant differences between intervention conditions. The review highlights methodological limitations in existing research but suggests that targeted interventions show promise in addressing IPV perpetration among individuals with SU and MH conditions. Further research is required to establish best practices for integrating MH treatment into perpetrator intervention programs.