The Who, What, When, Where, and How of Partner Violence Prevention Research

ABSTRACT

Fundamental questions remain unanswered about partner violence prevention programs. These include issues of the appropriate scope, format, audience, setting, and mechanics of partner violence prevention. Should partner violence prevention be included in general curricula that address several problem behaviors or be taught in specialized programs? Should partner violence prevention be universally directed towards all youth, all adults, targeted to high-risk subgroups, or some combination? Should partner violence prevention instruction focus more on protective or risk factors? How do factors such as attendance, program integrity, and facilitator skill affect outcome? Existing information on these issues is considered, including data from related fields. Studies comparing different types of programs, including cost-benefit studies, are urgently needed in order to make informed program and policy decisions.

Key Words:

• Prevention
• partner violence
• program evaluation
• cost-benefit analyses
• policy