A Systematic Review of Trauma-Focused Interventions for Domestic Violence Survivors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a form of trauma that can result in significant mental health distress for victims. Rates of clinical depression and posttraumatic stress disorder are higher among abused versus non-abused women, particularly if victims have experienced other lifetime trauma. While there are numerous interventions designed to reduce trauma-induced mental health symptoms, most were originally developed to address events that have occurred in the past (e.g., combat, childhood sexual abuse). Many IPV survivors are still under threat of ongoing abuse or stalking, which not only directly impacts their physical and psychological safety but impacts treatment options, as well. Little is known about the extent to which existing evidence-based trauma treatment modalities are applicable to, or require modification for, IPV survivors. This paper, then, reviews the trauma-based treatments that have been designed or modified specifically for IPV survivors and provides cautions and recommendations for moving forward. 2 shorter in duration and less severe and they have access to resources and support (Bonanno, 2004). Others, particularly those who experience more frequent or severe abuse, may develop symptoms that make daily functioning more difficult. Ongoing abuse and violence can induce feelings of shock, disbelief, confusion, terror, isolation, and despair, and can undermine a person's sense of self. These, in turn, can manifest as psychiatric symptoms (e.g., reliving the traumatic event, hyperarousal, avoiding reminders of the trauma, depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption). Some trauma survivors experience one or more of these symptoms for a brief period of time, while others develop chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a disorder that is a common response to overwhelming trauma and that can persist for years. Survivors are also at risk for developing depression, which has been found to significantly relate to the For those who have also experienced abuse in childhood and/ or other types of trauma (i.e., cumulative trauma), the risk for developing PTSD is elevated (Campbell,