Beyond Crisis Intervention: A Systematic Review of Multi-component Interventions That Facilitate Recovery and Healing From Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

Purpose Domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) has profound and enduring impacts on victim-survivors, communities and society. Therapeutic responses have often prioritized the reduction of clinical symptoms, treating these as proxies for recovery. However, the chronic, cumulative, escalating, and relational nature of DFSV requires multi-component, multilayered interventions that extend beyond symptom reduction to foster long-term recovery and healing. This systematic review examined the characteristics and impacts of multi-component interventions for victim-survivors of DFSV. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases. Eligible studies evaluated multi-component interventions addressing the mental health, growth- related and social needs of adult women who have histories of DFSV, published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2024. Results Of 12,519 records screened, 158 underwent full-text review, and 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Encompassing a total sample size of 861 victim-survivors, interventions commonly integrated counselling or psychotherapy with complementary approaches such as somatic practices, creative arts, nature-based activities, peer connection and practical supports. Reported impacts included reductions in mental health symptoms, enhanced social connection, empowerment, improved self-concept, and strengthened parenting capacities. Conclusions Overall, integrative therapies combining counselling and body-oriented practices showed favorable outcomes. Group-based formats and peer connection also emerged as key components, although their effectiveness varied according to individual recovery stages and contexts. Future interventions should be designed holistically to address mental health, relational, and practical needs (e.g., legal, financial, housing support) while remaining equitable and intersectional in their implementation. Further rigorous trials across diverse cultural and geographic contexts are needed to strengthen the evidence base.