A Systematic Review of Systems Science Approaches to Understand and Address Domestic and Gender-Based Violence

Melissa Tracy; Li Shen Chong; Kate Strully; Elana Gordis; Magdalena Cerdá; Brandon D L Marshall

doi:10.1007/s10896-023-00578-8

A Systematic Review of Systems Science Approaches to Understand and Address Domestic and Gender-Based Violence

J Fam Violence. 2023 May 26:1-17. doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00578-8. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Melissa Tracy¹, Li Shen Chong², Kate Strully³, Elana Gordis², Magdalena Cerdá⁴, Brandon D L Marshall⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, 1 University Place, GEC 133, Rensselaer, NY 12144 USA.
² Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12222 USA.
³ Department of Sociology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12222 USA.
⁴ Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016 USA.
⁵ Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Providence, RI 02912 USA.

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to synthesize insights from systems science approaches applied to domestic and gender-based violence.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of systems science studies (systems thinking, group model-building, agent-based modeling [ABM], system dynamics [SD] modeling, social network analysis [SNA], and network analysis [NA]) applied to domestic or gender-based violence, including victimization, perpetration, prevention, and community responses. We used blinded review to identify papers meeting our inclusion criteria (i.e., peer-reviewed journal article or published book chapter that described a systems science approach to domestic or gender-based violence, broadly defined) and assessed the quality and transparency of each study.

Results: Our search yielded 1,841 studies, and 74 studies met our inclusion criteria (45 SNA, 12 NA, 8 ABM, and 3 SD). Although research aims varied across study types, the included studies highlighted social network influences on risks for domestic violence, clustering of risk factors and violence experiences, and potential targets for intervention. We assessed the quality of the included studies as moderate, though only a minority adhered to best practices in model development and dissemination, including stakeholder engagement and sharing of model code.

Conclusions: Systems science approaches for the study of domestic and gender-based violence have shed light on the complex processes that characterize domestic violence and its broader context. Future research in this area should include greater dialogue between different types of systems science approaches, consideration of peer and family influences in the same models, and expanded use of best practices, including continued engagement of community stakeholders.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10896-023-00578-8.

Keywords: Agent-Based Modeling; Domestic Violence; Gender-Based Violence; Intimate Partner Violence; Network Analysis; Social Network Analysis; System Dynamics Modeling; Systems Science.

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