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Relational Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Narrative Review

  • Brian Littlechild
  • , Rebecca Scott
  • , Brian Taylor
  • , Jaroslaw Przeperski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)809-827
Number of pages19
JournalResearch on Social Work Practice
Volume35
Issue number7
Early online date16 Dec 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 1 Oct 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was supported by a Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014\u20132021 grant for the operational program:, through the Institute of Justice, Warsaw, Poland. This support is gratefully acknowledged.

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
      SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
    2. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
      SDG 5 Gender Equality
    3. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
      SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
    4. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
      SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

    Keywords

    • couple therapy
    • intimate partner violence
    • psychosocial intervention
    • literature review as topic
    • treatment outcome
    • heterosexual couples therapy

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