Relational Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Narrative Review

Purpose: This systematic narrative review examines relational approaches to working with interpersonal violence (IPV) within established heterosexual couple relationships at secondary and tertiary prevention levels. Method: Searches were conducted on five bibliographic databases, supplemented by citation searching and field recommendations. Thematic analysis involved reading and re-reading the data, and subsequent generation of analytical themes. Results: The themes developed for the analysis were: (1) the effectiveness of programs, how this was judged, and for which groups of people; (2) the levels and nature of IPV appropriate for couple-based therapy; (3) safety protocols; (4) whether the program was state or court ordered or voluntary; (5) whether group- or couple-based delivery; and (6) attrition and completion. Conclusions: This review aids the development of relational risk assessments and interventions for social workers and related professionals. The article sets out main areas of improvements that safe couple-based interventions can bring, and by what means.