Psychosocial Interventions and Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Against Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Sexual violence against women is a global health concern, frequently perpetrated by intimate partners. However, meta-analytical evidence on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) remains limited. This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed randomized controlled trials evaluating such interventions. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched ERIC, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from inception through July 1, 2024. Eligible studies were RCTs evaluating psychosocial programs (defined as structured interventions targeting individual or relational skills, behaviors, or wellbeing through educational, cognitive, behavioral, or counseling components) and reporting women's experiences of IPSV as an outcome. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane tool. Random-effects meta-analyses pooled odds ratios (ORs), and subgroup and meta-regression analyses explored moderators. Thirty-two trials (22,715 women; 13,588 men) met inclusion criteria. Women-only interventions showed a modest effect on IPSV (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.66-0.95), but this was no longer evident after adjustment for publication bias (trim-and-fill OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.81-1.20). In contrast, couple-based interventions were associated with a lower likelihood of IPSV (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39-0.79), with no indication of publication bias. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger effects for couple-based than women-only interventions. Overall, women-only interventions remain central for survivor support but show limited evidence of effectiveness for IPSV, whereas couple-based approaches may hold promise, particularly in primary prevention contexts. Further rigorous trials are needed to clarify the role of prevention aims, intervention mechanisms, and target populations.