Improvements to Screening for Intimate Partner Violence During a Pandemic

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, screening deferral for intimate partner violence (IPV) became common practice due to the partner remaining at the bedside (due to COVID-19–related visitor restrictions) in women admitted for birth. However, pregnancy is a time of increased vulnerability and risk for violence. Screening deferral and incompletion of IPV assessment leave potential victims unidentified and at risk for poor maternal and fetal outcomes, including preterm birth and miscarriage.