Art therapy with women survivors of intimate partner violence: A scoping review.

This scoping review examined the therapeutic role of art therapy in the recovery of women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), a global phenomenon with profound physical, emotional, and social consequences. A systematic search was conducted across six databases (Medline, PsycInfo, PsycNet, PubMed, PTSDpubs, and Web of Science) using combinations of “intimate partner violence,” “domestic violence,” or “family violence” and “women” OR “female” OR “survivors” OR “battered women” and “art therapy.” Articles were eligible if they addressed art therapy, focused on IPV among adult women, presented empirical findings, were published in English (2004–May 2024), and were not editorial/theoretical. The search identified 87 records; 11 duplicates were removed. Two reviewers screened 76 titles/abstracts and full texts. Fifty were excluded as irrelevant, an additional 13 for focusing on children/adolescents, one for being editorial, and one for focusing on counsellors. Eleven studies remained and were analyzed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, with data extracted independently and qualitative content analysis applied. Five central therapeutic functions of art therapy were identified: (a) rebuilding the self, (b) symbolic storytelling, (c) interpersonal and cultural reconnection, (d) creating safe spaces, and (e) fostering hope. Despite limitations like small samples and short-term designs, findings highlight art therapy’s value in treating embodied and relational aspects of IPV trauma. More culturally responsive and long-term studies are needed to strengthen evidence and improve inclusive, trauma-informed care.