The Unintended Impacts of an Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Program in Rwanda

A cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Rwanda evaluated a 22-week couples' training program aimed at reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) by shifting gender norms and promoting equitable relationships among Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) members. Contrary to expectations, the intervention increased reported IPV, with women in the treatment group experiencing significantly more physical and sexual violence. Spillover effects also emerged in non-participating couples in treatment villages. Findings suggest that male backlash against changing gender norms contributed to the rise in IPV, driven by a divergence in attitudes between men and women. The study underscores the importance of anticipating resistance in patriarchal contexts and integrating real-time monitoring into IPV prevention programs to mitigate harm and inform safer, more effective approaches