The efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy and advocacy interventions for women who have experienced intimate partner violence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

© 2014 Informa UK, Ltd. Objective. To determine the efficacy of Advocacy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions (CBT) in reducing physical, psychological, sexual, or any intimate partner violence (IPV).Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using randomized control trials (RCTs) published in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane, and Clinical trials. The occurrence of physical, psychological, sexual, and/or any IPV measured efficacy.Results. Twelve RCTs involving 2666 participants were included. Advocacy interventions resulted in significant reductions in physical (standardized mean difference (SMD)-0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI)-0.25,-0.00) and psychological (SMD-0.19; 95% CI-0.32,-0.05) but not in sexual (SMD-0.20; 95% CI-0.43, 0.02) or any IPV (SMD-0.32; 95% CI-0.69, 0.04). CBT interventions showed a significant reduction in physical (SMD-0.79; 95% CI-1.26,-0.33) and psychological (SMD-0.80; 95% CI-1.25,-0.36) but not sexual (SMD-0.35; 95% CI-1.73, 1.03) or any IPV (SMD 0.09; 95% CI-0.05, 0.23).Conclusions. Both advocacy and CBT interventions reduced physical and psychological IPV but not sexual or any IPV. Limitations include the low number of studies and the heterogeneity of interventions.