The Effectiveness of Culturally Specific Male Domestic Violence Offender Intervention Programs on Behavior Changes and Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The objective of domestic violence intervention programs is to address perpetrator behavior. However, the suitability and effectiveness of these programs in confronting problematic behavior for ethnically diverse groups is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to cohesively examine whether such programs are effective in reducing recidivism, changing perpetrator behavior, and addressing mental health issues for culturally diverse groups. Several databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles that included culturally specific components or ethnically diverse cohorts in offender intervention programs. 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. The findings demonstrate greater effectiveness of programs with greater cultural engagement: through culturally trained facilitators, addressing the cultural and patriarchal norms relevant to the specific client group, and discussion of gender roles and attitudes to gender equality specific to the cultural context. Such programs achieved some positive outcomes including: reduced recidivism, improved mental health, and better attitudes to gender equality. However, the findings are limited to a few ethnically diverse groups, and not all studies measured all outcomes listed above. This review suggests the development and implementation of suitable offender intervention programs that address perpetrator behavior and mental health in ethnically diverse client groups. When culturally relevant and effective programs are implemented, it could lead to men’s modification of perpetrating behavior and create safer family relationships.

Methodological Challenges in Group-based Randomised Controlled Trials for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Meta-summary

“…We identified 23 systematic reviews/ meta-analytic evaluations of trials on the effects of male perpetrator programmes ( Akoensi et al, 2013 ; Aos et al, 2006 ; Arce et al, 2020 ; Arias et al, 2013 ; Babcock et al, 2004 ; Cheng et al, 2021 ; Feder et al, 2008 ; Feder & Wilson, 2005 ; Ferrer-Perez & Bosch-Fiol, 2018 ; Karakurt et al, 2019 ; Miller et al, 2013 ; Nesset et al, 2019 ; NICE, 2013 ; O’Connor et al, 2021 ; Pinto E Silva et al, 2022 ; Santirso et al, 2020 ; Satyen et al, 2022 ; Smedslund et al, 2011 ; Stephens-Lewis et al, 2021 ; Tarzia et al, 2020 ; Travers et al, 2021 ; Vigurs et al, 2016 ; Wilson et al, 2021 ). These 23 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used to identify primary studies evaluating IPV perpetrator programmes, which is the main focus of this paper.…”

“…We searched broadly using eight electronic databases. Previous systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses used between two and six databases except for one article that used 13 databases to assess cultural differences in IPV interventions ( Satyen et al, 2022 ). Although our review used multiple databases it does not fulfil the search criteria for a systematic review ( Uman, 2011 ).…”

“…Furthermore, they only considered pre- and post-intervention results and did not differentiate between varied experimental conditions. Other recent systematic reviews have focused on different aspects of IPV interventions: a) effectiveness in different cultural contexts ( Satyen et al, 2022 ); b) effectiveness for male perpetrators or male victims in health settings ( Tarzia et al, 2020 ); c) comparison of experimental group versus group without any intervention ( Cheng et al, 2021 ); d) risk-need-responsivity framework ( Travers et al, 2021 ); e) motivational interviewing ( Pinto E Silva et al, 2022 ; Santirso et al, 2020 ); and f) substance abuse ( Stephens-Lewis et al, 2021 ).…”

Lived Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Help-seeking among Wives of Persons with Alcohol Dependence: A Thematic Analysis

“…India, a multicultural nation, requires interventions tailored to specific cultural contexts. [ 64 ] Such culture-based interventions provide valuable insights for professionals and survivors, improving studyoutcomes. [ 65 ]…”

The impact of an intervention program on abusive intimate behaviors, self-esteem, and self-concept of male perpetrators of intimate partner violence

“…However, studies that assess reoffense through these measures generally have revealed positive outcomes (e.g., Cunha & Gonçalves, 2015;Lila et al, 2018). For example, a systematic review that examined the effectiveness of culturally specific male PIPs found that the two studies that assessed recidivism through self-reports revealed significant reductions in episodes of abuse (Satyen et al, 2022). Cunha and Gonçalves (2015), comparing 26 individuals who attended intervention with 19 individuals who did not, found that those who attended a PIP self-reported significantly less abusive behaviors than the control group.…”