Survivor Perspectives on IPV Perpetrator Interventions: A Systematic Narrative Review

More effective work with perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) can be built upon a better understanding of how and why
they change their behavior. This article presents a systematic narrative review of female IPV survivor perspectives on the changes
brought about by IPV perpetrator programs. Fourteen databases and web search engines were searched and 16 articles reporting
relevant qualitative findings were identified. Survivors often reported some level of positive change through their partner’s
engagement with a program, but the sustainability of this change is unclear and there was also some negative feedback. From the
survivors’ perspective, key barriers to perpetrator change include alcohol dependency, mental health challenges, relationship
dynamics, and their family of origin. Mechanisms by which perpetrators are held to account, namely, survivor validation and
judicial measures, were seen as central to the change process. Survivors perceived changes in perpetrator behavior (the use of
conflict interruption techniques and new communication skills) and changes in perpetrators’ belief systems (adopting new perspectives).
Changes in belief systems were associated with more complete desistence from violence and would appear more
difficult to effect. The review highlights the complexity in this field, which is discussed by the authors with reference to practice,
policy, and research.