Online Psychoeducation Programs for Separated Litigating Parents: A Scoping Review of Domestic and Family Violence Content

Parental separation is a well-established risk indicator for the escalation of domestic and family violence (DFV). Entry into litigated dispute resolution further intensifies this risk. Well-targeted online psychoeducation programs in the family court process can assist DFV risk reduction and enhance reach. To inform future development of family-court-based programs, the current review scoped studies reporting on core program components and outcome efficacy of online psychoeducation programs that explicitly addressed DFV in this court population. In line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses scoping review extension, key terms were searched across five databases. Sixteen empirical studies were included detailing nine online programs. Most content centered explicitly on conflict and postseparation cooperation, with embedded, implicit reference to family violence. Asynchronous delivery of content predominated. Variations included duration, cost to users, and attendance (voluntary or mandated). Varied outcome evidence of efficacy was found across the nine programs, reflecting heterogeneity of methods and target outcomes. Given how few programs included explicit curriculum and measures of DFV, further research is needed to investigate the place of digitally delivered psychoeducation that explicitly targets DFV in family court contexts.