Psychological interventions for male perpetrators of violence against women: A systematic review

Abstract

Domestic violence has substantial effects on physical, psychological and social well-being. Interventions with domestic violence perpetrators can lead to a significant reduction in violence, decreasing violent behavior of the main actors and, therefore, its consequences. Thus, this study aims at conducting a systematic review of the literature on psychological interventions with male perpetrators of violence against women. Method: We searched for articles published between January 2010 and July 2016, in PsycInfo databases, Scopus, and PubMed/Medline. The inclusion criterion included empirical, experimental or quasi-experimental studies with samples of male perpetrators of women over 18 years-old with pre- and post-treatment, published in English. Studies with homo-affective couples were excluded. Results: 494 articles were identified, and after the exclusion criteria were applied, 17 articles were included in this review. Final appointments: Studies showed significant methodological differences, from size and characteristics of the sample (active search for treatment, court order) to the number of sessions and underlying theoretical model used. Most of the studies sought to develop new skills as a tool to reduce violence.

Keywords: intimate partner violence, interventions, batterers.