The impact of evidence-based interventions on depression in survivors of intimate partner violence: A Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive global issue that substantially increases the risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders among survivors. Despite the known mental health consequences, there is limited synthesis of evidence regarding the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions targeting depression in this population. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions in reducing depressive symptoms among survivors of IPV through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL for studies published between 2008 and 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs evaluating depression outcomes in IPV survivors aged ≥16 years. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using standardized tools (RoB 2, ROBINS-I, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models, with subgroup and meta-regression analyses to explore heterogeneity. Results: Eight studies met inclusion criteria, comprising six psychosocial and two combined psychosocial-pharmacological interventions. The pooled mean difference (MD) was -1.22 (95% CI: -1.27 to -1.18; p < 0.001), indicating a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Digital interventions yielded a MD of -1.29 (95% CI: -1.87 to -0.70), while participatory models showed a MD of -0.79 (95% CI: -1.42 to -0.16). High heterogeneity was observed (I² = 99.58%). Meta-regression revealed digital interventions were significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms (coefficient = -1.41, p = 0.014). Conclusions: Evidence-based interventions, particularly digital and participatory models, can effectively reduce depression among IPV survivors. However, standalone interventions often yield limited outcomes. Integration with pharmacological treatments and long-term trauma-informed care is critical to enhance mental health recovery. Future research should focus on tailoring interventions to diverse populations and ensuring methodological rigor in evaluating long-term efficacy.