There are few rigorous evaluations of interventions and approaches to prevent or respond to violence against women (VAW) – and even less that engage in a comparative analysis. There are, however, a number of evaluations that focus on individual projects in specific countries. Some general findings on effectiveness and best practice in addressing violence against women can be drawn from a review of these evaluations. Effective interventions include:
- A multi-agency, multi-sector approach (coordinated community response model)
- Legislation to address VAW and national plans of action
- Routine screening of abuse and violence in the health sector
- Awareness and support programmes that have sought to empower women and provide them with emotional, legal, and/or financial support
- Specifically targeting men and boys in awareness campaigns through tailored messages
- Training manuals and workshops
- Sharing information and best practice across agencies and across countries
