Lights, Camera, Abuse: A Scoping Review of Scholarly Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence in Cinema

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive global issue disproportionately affecting women. Films often portray IPV in ways that influence societal perceptions, either raising awareness or perpetuating harmful stereotypes, romanticizing abuse, and overlooking intersectional experiences. This study aims to conduct a scoping review of the portrayal of IPV in films by integrating theoretical frameworks such as media representation theory, feminist theory, and social learning theory. A total of 30 research articles published between 2014 and 2024 were selected for review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework from over 100 articles after considering inclusion/exclusion criteria. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring themes within the literature. Six key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) IPV, (2) media representation and influence, (3) feminism and empowerment, (4) social and systemic issues, (5) addiction behaviors in media, and (6) cinema and social change. The findings highlight cinema’s significant potential to challenge societal norms, reshape attitudes toward gender roles and violence, and drive cultural change. However, achieving this requires a deliberate and empathetic approach to IPV narratives. Films, when created responsibly, can serve as a transformative medium to dismantle harmful stereotypes, empower survivors, and foster societal commitment to ending IPV. Additionally, promoting media literacy among audiences can enhance critical engagement with these narratives, furthering efforts toward equality and social justice.