Using Photovoice to Address Gender-Based Violence: A Qualitative Systematic Review

The purpose of this article is to examine how photovoice research addresses gender-based violence (GBV) among individuals and communities that experience and witness GBV. Photovoice action research (PVAR) methods act as both an intervention and a research method by engaging participants in using photography to depict a topic of concern and in developing potential solutions. To date, there is not a published review of PVAR publications that focus on addressing GBV. This article is comprised of a qualitative systematic review of studies that use photovoice research methods to address GBV. This review is conducted in accordance with the Supplementary Guidance of the Cochrane handbook and results in the examination of 17 publications that meet inclusion criteria. The data synthesis engages grounded theory (GT) methods and results in the emergence of one primary category transgressing the violence and three subcategories illustrating the problem, caring for self and others, and harnessing community resources. The results of this review reveal research, practice, and policy implications for photovoice projects aimed at addressing GBV.