An evidence and Gap Map of interventions for adult male perpetrators of intimate partner violence

Despite decades of intervention, evidence on the effectiveness of programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators remains mixed. This study mapped randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating interventions for adult male IPV perpetrators. We searched academic databases and specialized repositories for eligible RCTs published through February 2026. The evidence map included 40 RCTs covering 19 intervention categories and 28 follow-up outcome domains. Evidence was concentrated on cognitive-behavioral therapy, couple therapy, motivational strategies, psychoeducational Duluth programs, and interventions integrating substance use treatment. Most trials assessed IPV recidivism and substance use, while theoretically relevant outcomes, including emotion regulation, aggression, mental health, relationship functioning, and family outcomes, were rarely measured at follow-up. Consequently, existing evidence provides limited insight into whether interventions affect their intended dynamic risk factors and mechanisms of change. Future research should broaden outcome frameworks, improve measurement of dynamic risk factors, and evaluate understudied interventions across more diverse settings and populations to improve generalizability and theoretical understanding.