Dealing with intimate partner violence: A review of the structure and content of effective evidence-based intervention programmes for perpetrators

Background: Given the relatively high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) as well as the associated negative psychological and physical consequences, intervention programmes for perpetrators of IPV have been tackling this issue for over 40 years. However, meta-analyses conducted since the early 2000s suggest that relationship violence intervention programmes (RVIPs) on average, have had small effects on reducing IPV. Using a novel micro-level approach that fills a gap in current research, this review provides an overview of the structure and content of effective evidence-based programmes. Methods: Drawing on six meta-analyses and an additional literature search, nine programmes have been identified using strict eligibility criteria. Studies must be an evaluation study of an RVIP for perpetrators of IPV with the aim of secondary or tertiary prevention, published in English or German in a peer-reviewed publication, have an experimental or quasi-experimental study design and based in North America or Europe. Results: The most important similarities that effective programmes shared are: a client-centred group therapy or multi-couple group therapy format, a high level of educational attainment (i.e. master’s level) for programme facilitators, a psychotherapeutic (mainly cognitive-behavioural) approach, and the use of some form of motivation enhancing technique. Conclusion: Overall, it is imperative for practitioners to avoid complacency by simply accepting the state of current practice, but to continue to innovate and empirically test new interventions with the goal of helping perpetrators achieve meaningful long-lasting behavioural change. notReviewed other