Effectiveness of Primary Prevention Efforts for Intimate Partner Violence

This article presents a systematic review of intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention studies. Using electronic databases and standard search methods, 19 studies met inclusion criteria for the review. These studies targeted partner violence victimization and/or perpetration, included a comparison or control group, and measured IPV behavior or outcomes involving knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, or other constructs related to IPV. Fifteen of the studies used randomized designs, and 9 studies were identified that used rigorous methods (randomized designs, measurement of IPV behavior, sufficient follow-up, independent assessors). Four of the 9 studies were school-based studies conducted in middle or high schools. Only 1 of those found an unqualified positive impact on IPV behavior; another found an IPV preventive effect for boys only. Five of the 9 studies were conducted in community settings, including 2 that worked with couples, 2 that provided group-based interventions set in the community, and 1 that worked with parents to promote dating violence prevention with their teenage children. All 5 of the community-based studies reported positive impact on IPV behavior. Although there are some encouraging findings in the literature, gaps remain. No programs have been replicated, and although there would appear to be a great deal of overlap in program content, there is no analysis examining key components of program effectiveness.