Group processes and outcomes in programs that address domestic or sexual violence: opportunities for healing and collective power

Social movements have sought to harness collective action to respond to domestic and sexual violence (DSV) and address the oppressive structures and systems in and through which violence occurs. Although group-based mutual support has long been treated as a critical component of activism and programming to address DSV, more needs to be understood about the processes and outcomes that are meaningful to group members and facilitators. This qualitative scoping review presents analysis of 24 research articles across diverse settings and types of groups. Through an iterative process of reading, summarizing, and coding articles to identify emerging themes, domains, and change pathways across diverse research sites, findings highlight the ways in which effective group processes support healing and collective power. The processes and outcomes highlighted through this review could inform program design, practice, and evaluation related to the role of groupwork to address DSV.