Intimate partner violence in pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy when coupled with domestic violence is a form of intimate partner violence (IPV), and such a kind of an abusive relationship between domestic partners can often result in higher maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Abuse may be a longstanding problem in a relationship that continues after a woman becomes pregnant or it may commence in pregnancy. The image of dishonoring a pregnant women by choking her or kicking her in the abdomen or head and inflicting such rude injuries on her often deeply moves and offends us. But this distaste also prevents us from intervening, screening, and providing support to the patients. Victimization is often dismissed as human nature. However, societies exist in which violence is rare and violence against women is virtually nonexistent. Domestic violence during pregnancy is a complex social problem and a frustrating experience for the physicians. Pregnant women should retain a privileged position in the society and domestic violence must be uprooted in order to escalate the women's reproductive health. Patient education, counselling during antenatal visits, community support, and timely legal involvement may help in dealing with this vexing issue. However, further studies need to be done so that the interventions are more effective and preventive to halt the harmful consequences of abuse in pregnant women. Language: en