What works to prevent violence against women and girls? Evidence Review of interventions to prevent violence against women and girls

Abstract

A rapid review of the existing evidence on impact of interventions that aim to prevent violence against women and girls, or address key risk factors for such violence was conducted. The focus of the review was on intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence and child abuse. The first half of this paper presents a summary of the evidence by broad intervention typology including a description of the intervention type; a summary of the extent of the evidence found; and an assessment of what the evidence suggests as to the effectiveness of the intervention type in preventing violence against women and girls. The authors discuss the evidence with regard to impact on perpetration and experiences of violence as well as on known risk factors for violence. The second half of the paper discusses the findings, presenting an overall summary of the strengths, gaps and limitations in the body of evidence; a synthesis of the overall findings; and a discussion of what this means for the prevention agenda. Finally recommendations in terms of priorities for supporting innovation and conducting research are presented