Integrating Strategies To Strengthen Mental Health Within Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Curricula

The document explains the strong connection between mental health and intimate partner violence (IPV). Poor mental health can increase the risk of experiencing or perpetrating violence, while IPV can also cause depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress. A review of 55 IPV prevention curricula across 23 countries found that very few intentionally integrate mental health strategies. The brief highlights this as an important opportunity to strengthen IPV prevention programmes.

The brief presents several practical approaches that can be integrated into group-based IPV prevention programmes. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), breathing and body-based practices, relaxation and stress management, trauma awareness, peer support, and co-counselling. These approaches help participants understand emotions, manage stress, improve self-regulation, build resilience, and develop healthier relationship behaviours. Examples from programmes in Rwanda, Serbia, DRC, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and India demonstrate how these strategies can be adapted to different cultural settings.

The document concludes that mental health should be intentionally integrated into IPV prevention rather than treated only as a consequence of violence. Successful programmes should build trust and group connection, combine group and individual support, carefully consider group composition, and provide proper training and supervision for facilitators. Cultural adaptation, digital delivery, intentional engagement of men, and early identification and referral are also recommended. Overall, integrating mental health strategies can improve wellbeing while potentially making IPV prevention programmes more effective and sustainable.