  Over the last decade, the number of randomized trials of programs to reduce
intimate partner violence (IPV) has grown precipitously. However, most trials
continue to measure and code violence using standards originally designed for
global prevalence surveys. This choice may have consequences in terms of bias,
power, and efficiency of trial estimates and may limit what we can learn about
how programs are working. In this paper, we return to first principles to
develop a generative model for violence reduction. We then use this model to
better understand trade-offs in outcome coding choices via simulation. We
re-analyze results from seven recent trials in Southern and Eastern Africa to
highlight some of our findings. We conclude with a discussion of key take-aways
for trialists.
