There are multiple overlapping causes as to why VAW occurs and the intersections between these risk factors should be considered in preventative and response interventions. For example, many situational triggers for intimate partner violence (IPV) stem from the inability to fulfil a prescribed gender norm. Risk factors for VAW can also be perceived as protective factors to drive intervention design.
Use the socio-ecological model to target interventions at all levels of VAW risk factors (individual, interpersonal, community, and societal). Furthermore, the socio-ecological model should be tailored for each setting and type of violence.
Programmes focusing on economic and social empowerment, economic transfers, couples, and parenting are beneficial avenues to address VAW. Overall, programmes that consider gender relations will likely be more effective, especially if they are participatory, led by trained facilitators, and include critical reflection over multiple sessions.
Economic transfer and economic empowerment can help reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence against women when properly executed. As was the case with the World Food Programme Cash Transfer programme developed for Colombian refugees living in Ecuador. Refugee households received cash, food, or food vouchers for six months and in exchange, families had to attend monthly nutrition training sessions. As a result of this, physical and/or sexual IPV rates decreased by 30% after six months.
