The effectiveness of culturally specific male domestic violence offender intervention programs on behavior changes and mental health: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review examines the effectiveness of culturally specific domestic violence offender intervention programs in addressing perpetrator behaviour and mental health outcomes. The study evaluates whether such programs are effective in reducing recidivism, modifying perpetrator behaviour, and improving attitudes towards gender equality among ethnically diverse groups. A review of ten studies highlights the benefits of culturally engaged interventions, including the use of facilitators with cultural knowledge, discussions on patriarchal norms, and gender role expectations tailored to specific communities. Findings suggest that culturally relevant approaches contribute to reduced recidivism, improved mental health, and increased engagement in intervention programs. However, limitations include a narrow focus on certain ethnic groups and inconsistent outcome measures across studies. The review calls for the development of culturally responsive intervention models to enhance the effectiveness of perpetrator programs in diverse communities.