A Scoping Review of Preventive Interventions to Reduce Violence Against Women Across Southeast Asian Countries

Violence against women (VAW) remains pervasive throughout Southeast Asia, with profound health, social, and economic consequences. To identify what peer-reviewed interventions are available to address violence against women in Southeast Asia, this scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize preventive interventions addressing VAW across the 11 countries of Southeast Asia. Guided by PRISMA-ScR and PICOS frameworks, nine academic databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed literature published from 2000 to 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria focused on empirical interventions targeting VAW at individual, community, and system levels. Study characteristics and program outcomes were extracted and tabulated. Thirteen studies were identified, conducted in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. Most interventions targeted individuals–women at risk, couples, perpetrators, men, refugees, and students–while a smaller number that addressed community or health system levels. Designs included randomized controlled trials, mixed methods, and qualitative approaches. Positive outcomes were noted in knowledge, attitudes, empowerment, and help-seeking, but evidence for sustained behavioral change or reduction in violence was limited. Despite notable innovation and some success, prevention efforts remain fragmented and under-evaluated, with significant geographic and population gaps. Scaling up contextually grounded, multi-level, and participatory interventions, alongside rigorous evaluation and inclusion of marginalized groups, is urgently needed. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and participatory methods, incorporate local language, and address cultural factors to inform effective, equitable VAW prevention across Southeast Asia.