Culturally specific interventions for female survivors of gender-based violence

Author: O'Brien, Jennifer & Macy, Rebecca

Abstract: Women who experience gender-based violence (GBV) often experience negative psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Culture is associated with the perpetration of GBV and its associated mental health consequences. To date, most evidence-supported interventions to address the psychological consequences of GBV have been developed and evaluated for dominant-culture populations within the United States. To better serve the global population of female GBV survivors, and to aid service providers working with diverse populations, we conducted a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature to explore the availability of culturally specific GBV interventions and the level of evidence supporting these interventions. Our review included 15 articles, which, based on content analysis, we determined could be grouped in 6 methodological categories. Findings reveal varying stages of intervention development and evaluation rigor. Moreover, our review identifies challenges in transnational intervention delivery and evaluation. We offer recommendations for research and practice.

Keywords: gender based violence, culture, intervention, evaluation, treatment