The effectiveness of intervention programs for perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence

Abstract

This systematic review provides an in-depth analysis of intervention programs targeting both perpetrators and victim-survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The study examines empirical research published since 1990, focusing on randomized and quasi-experimental studies that compare active intervention programs with relevant control conditions. Findings reveal that traditional batterer intervention programs (BIPs) show mixed results in reducing IPV recidivism, with methodological challenges limiting definitive conclusions. Emerging models incorporating alternative content demonstrate more promising results. For IPV victim-survivors, interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively improve emotional functioning, while community-based advocacy programs reduce revictimization rates. However, brief safety interventions produce inconsistent outcomes in long-term IPV prevention. The review highlights the ongoing need for rigorous evaluations of intervention programs and the development of more effective strategies for both perpetrators and victim-survivors.