Psychological therapies for women who experience intimate partner violence

In this Cochrane systematic review, researchers assessed the effectiveness of psychological therapies for women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) on these outcomes:

• Primary outcomes of depression, self‐efficacy, and an indicator of harm (dropouts) at 6‐ to 12‐month follow‐up 
• Secondary outcomes of other mental health symptoms, anxiety, quality of life, re‐exposure to IPV, safety planning and behaviors, use of health care and IPV services, and social support

Researchers found that psychological therapies probably reduce depression and may reduce anxiety for women who experience IPV. Researchers are uncertain whether psychological therapies improve other outcomes like self‐efficacy, post‐traumatic stress disorder, re‐exposure to IPV, and safety planning. There is limited data on potential harms of psychological therapies. 

Researchers pointed out the need for more interventions focused on trauma approaches, and for more rigorous trials with consistent outcomes at similar follow‐up time points.