A Systematic Review of Interventions to Reduce Intimate Partner Violence Among Young People in Child Welfare and Legal System Settings

Purpose Intimate partner violence (IPV) interventions for young people involved with the child welfare and legal systems are critical. However, researchers have yet to systematically assess this knowledge area. Methods We conducted a systematic review to identify IPV interventions targeting young people involved with the legal and/or child welfare system. Six electronic databases were searched for quantitative and qualitative peer-reviewed articles that focused on IPV victimization and/or perpetration; included child welfare and/or legal system-involved young people aged 10 to 24 years; delivered an intervention; and reported outcome(s). Three researchers independently screened captured article abstracts; two researchers conducted full-text eligibility assessments. Data were extracted and findings were narratively summarized and compared. Results We identified seven eligible studies: two child welfare and five legal system studies. Three studies focused on IPV perpetration only; two on IPV victimization and perpetration; two on IPV victimization only. Only two studies mentioned IPV types. One intervention was culturally-tailored. Two studies assessed IPV as an outcome, with the one focused on educating about power dynamics in romantic relationships and improving communication skill deficits reporting significant IPV reductions. Other improved outcomes were present across studies (e.g., IPV knowledge, trauma symptoms, condom use). Conclusion Few IPV interventions focus on young people involved with the child welfare and/or legal system. We call for more research on this topic that is trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and includes all genders. It should also include components related to gender and power and healthy communication and target multiple types of IPV victimization and perpetration.