While rigorous evaluations of domestic violence support groups have been quite limited, the broader literature on support group efficacy is informative. Taken together, there is a significant body of evidence indicating that peer support groups can alleviate depression and stress, and increase self-esteem, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being. This is a paper in the Domestic Violence Evidence Project series.

"The Domestic Violence Evidence Project, an initiative of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), is designed to respond to the growing emphasis on identifying and integrating “evidence-based practice”. We are combining what we know from research, evaluation, practice and theory to inform critical decision-making by domestic violence programs and allies.

The project has collected and synthesized evidence from published, empirical research studies. Since we know that controlled research studies are not the only source of information on program effectiveness, we are also identifying where emerging evidence shows that programs and practices are making a difference in community settings. Together, these research reviews and profiles of innovative, culturally-responsive and evidence-based programs and practices can expand the field’s capacity to more effectively serve survivors and their families and help build a more robust body of evidence for our work." (from the website)

Domestic Violence Evidence Project