title: Survivor Perspectives on IPV Perpetrator Interventions: A Systematic Narrative Review.
abstract: More effective work with perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) can be built upon a better understanding of how and why they change their behavior. This article presents a systematic narrative review of female IPV survivor perspectives on the changes brought about by IPV perpetrator programs. Fourteen databases and web search engines were searched and 16 articles reporting relevant qualitative findings were identified. Survivors often reported some level of positive change through their partner's engagement with a program, but the sustainability of this change is unclear and there was also some negative feedback. From the survivors' perspective, key barriers to perpetrator change include alcohol dependency, mental health challenges, relationship dynamics, and their family of origin. Mechanisms by which perpetrators are held to account, namely, survivor validation and judicial measures, were seen as central to the change process. Survivors perceived changes in perpetrator behavior (the use of conflict interruption techniques and new communication skills) and changes in perpetrators' belief systems (adopting new perspectives). Changes in belief systems were associated with more complete desistence from violence and would appear more difficult to effect. The review highlights the complexity in this field, which is discussed by the authors with reference to practice, policy, and research.
authors.affiliation: School of Sociology and Applied Social Sciences, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK mcginn-a1@email.ulster.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: McGinn
authors.affiliation: Institute for Research in Social Sciences, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McColgan
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lagdon
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D000066511:Intimate Partner Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D016730:Program Development; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: batterer; behavior change; change processes; domestic violence; intervention/treatment