Domestic Violence in Pregnancy (Content last reviewed: 15th March 2020)

Joanna R. Cook; Loraine J. Bacchus; Susan Bewley

Chapter 2 - Domestic Violence in Pregnancy (Content last reviewed: 15th March 2020)

from Section 1 - Prepregnancy Problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 November 2017

Joanna R. Cook ,

Loraine J. Bacchus and

Edited by

Bernard Gonik and

David James: Affiliation:
University of Nottingham
Philip Steer: Affiliation:
Imperial College London
Carl Weiner: Affiliation:
University of Kansas
Bernard Gonik: Affiliation:
Wayne State University, Detroit
Stephen Robson: Affiliation:
University of Newcastle

Book contents

Get access

Summary

There has been a growing awareness of the importance of domestic violence as a significant public health issue since the late 1990s, although women have been controlled and assaulted by their partners throughout history. Obstetricians, gynecologists, and midwives have a key role in identifying women who are experiencing domestic violence, documenting the abuse, and ensuring that appropriate advice, support, and interventions can be accessed. Domestic violence is one part of a spectrum of human rights abuses against women and girls that includes rape and sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, “honor killings,” female genital mutilation, trafficking of children and women for prostitution, and systematic rape as a tool of war. Gender-based violence is predominantly inflicted by men upon women and girls; it reflects and reinforces inequalities between men and women and adversely affects the health, dignity, safety, and autonomy of survivors.

Type: Chapter
Information: High-Risk Pregnancy
Management Options
, pp. 34 - 44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108349185 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

First published in: 2017

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Home Office. Domestic Violence: A National Report. London: Home Office, 2005, p 7.Google Scholar

Fishwick, NJ. 1998 Assessment of women for partner abuse. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 1998; 27: 661–70.Google Scholar

Kershaw, C, Budd, T, Kinshott, G, et al. The 2000 British Crime Survey. England and Wales. Home Office Statistical Bulletin 18/00. London: Home Office, 2000, p. 36.Google Scholar

Mirlees-Black, C. Domestic Violence: Findings from a New British Crime Survey Self-Completion Questionnaire. Research Study 191. London: Home Office, 1999, p. 22.Google Scholar

Office for National Statistics. Domestic Abuse: Findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales: Year Ending March 2018. www.ons.gov.uk/releases/domesticabuseinenglandandwalesyearendingmarch2018 (accessed June 2019).Google Scholar

Johnson, H, Sacco, VF. Researching violence against women: statistics Canada’s national survey. Can J Criminol 1995; 37: 281–304.Google Scholar

McFarlane, J, Christoffel, K, Bateman, L, et al. Assessing for abuse: self-report versus nurse interview. Public Health Nurs 1991; 8: 245–50.Google Scholar

Bradley, F, Smith, M, Long, J, O’Dowd, T. Reported frequency of domestic violence: cross sectional survey of women attending general practice. BMJ 2002; 324: 271–4.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Richardson, J, Coid, J, Petruckevitch, A, et al. Identifying domestic violence: cross sectional study in primary care. BMJ 2002; 324: 274–7.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Campbell, JC, Oliver, C, Bullock, L. Why battering during pregnancy? Clin Issues Perinat Womens Health Nurs 1993; 4: 343–9.Google Scholar

Helton, A, McFarlane, J, Anderson, ET. Battered and pregnant: a prevalence study. Am J Public Health 1987; 77: 1337–9.Google Scholar

Bacchus, L, Mezey, G, Bewley, S. Domestic violence: prevalence in pregnant women and associations with physical and psychological health. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2004; 113: 6–11.Google Scholar

Almeida, FSJ, Coutinho, EC, Duarte, JC et al.. Domestic violence in pregnancy: prevalence and characteristics of the pregnant woman. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26: 2417–25. doi: 10.1111/jocn.13756.Google Scholar

Hedin-Widding, L. Postpartum, also a risk period for domestic violence. Eur J Obstet Gynecol 2000; 89: 41–5.Google Scholar

Curry, MA, Perrin, N, Wall, E. Effects of abuse on maternal complications and birth weight in adult and adolescent women. Obstet Gynecol 1998; 92: 530–4.Google Scholar

Gazmararian, JA, Lazorick, A, Spitz, AM, et al. Prevalence of violence against pregnant women. JAMA 1996; 275: 1915–20.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Lewis, G, Clutton-Brock, T, Cooper, G, et al. Saving Mothers’ Lives: Reviewing Maternal Deaths to Make Motherhood Safer – 2003 to 2005. The Seventh Report of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the United Kingdom. London, CEMACH, 2007, pp. 173–9.Google Scholar

Lancaster, CA, Gold, KJ, Flynn, HA, et al. Risk factors for depressive symptoms during pregnancy: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010; 202: 5–14.Google Scholar

Finnbogadóttir, H, Dykes, AK, Wann-Hansson, C. Prevalence and incidence of domestic violence during pregnancy and associated risk factors: a longitudinal cohort study in the south of Sweden. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16: 228. doi:10.1186/s12884-016-1017-6.Google Scholar

Royal College of Psychiatrists. Domestic Violence. Council Report CR102. London: RCP, 2002, p. 11.Google Scholar

Mullen, RE, Romans-Clarkson, SE, Walton, VA, Herbison, GP: Impact of sexual and physical abuse on women’s mental health. Lancet 1988; 1: 841–5.Google Scholar

Russell, BS. Eaton, LA. Petersen-Williams, P. Intersecting epidemics among pregnant women: alcohol use, interpersonal violence, and HIV infection in South Africa.Current HIV/AIDS Reports 2013; 10: 103–10.Google Scholar

Wilsnack, SC. Wilsnack, RW. Kantor, LW. Focus on: women and the costs of alcohol use. Alcohol Res 2013 35: 219–28.Google Scholar

Katerndahl, D, Burge, S, Ferrer, R, Becho, J, Wood, R. Differences in social network structure and support among women in violent relationships. J Interpers Violence 2013; 28: 1948–64.Google Scholar

Jacoby, M, Gorenflo, D, Black, E, et al. Rapid repeat pregnancy and experiences of interpersonal violence among low-income adolescents. Am J Prev Med 1999; 16: 318–21.Google Scholar

Pallitto, CC, Campbell, JC, O’Campo, P. Is intimate partner violence associated with unintended pregnancy? A review of the literature. Trauma Violence Abuse 2005; 6: 217–35.Google Scholar

Clark, LE, Allen, RH, Goyal, V, Raker, C, Gottlieb, AS. Reproductive coercion and co-occurring intimate partner violence in obstetrics and gynecology patients. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2014; 210: 42.e1–8.Google Scholar

Paterno, MT, Jordan, ET. A review of factors associated with unprotected sex among adult women in the United States. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2012; 41: 258–74.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Cokkinides, VE, Coker, AL, Experiencing physical violence during pregnancy: prevalence and correlates. Fam Community Health 1998; 20: 19–37.Google Scholar

Hillard, PJ: Physical abuse in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1985; 66: 185–90.Google Scholar

Crane, CA. Hawes, SW. Weinberger, AH. Intimate partner violence victimization and cigarette smoking: a meta-analytic review. Trauma Violence Abuse 2013; 14: 305–15.Google Scholar

Shneyderman, Y, Kiely, M. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy: victim or perpetrator? Does it make a difference? BJOG 2013; 120: 1375–85.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Henriksen, L, Vangen, S, Schei, B, Lukasse, M. Sexual violence and antenatal hospitalization. Birth 2013; 40: 281–8.Google Scholar

Kernic, MA, Wolf, ME, Holt, VL. Rates and relative risk of hospital admission among women in violent intimate partner relationships. Am J Public Health 2000; 9: 1416–20.Google Scholar

Kothari, RU, Kothari, C, DeBoer, M, Koestner, A, Rohs, T. Inpatient hospitalization and intimate partner violence: who are we treating? J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2014; 77: 129–36.Google Scholar

Taggart, L, Mattson, S. Delay in prenatal care as a result of battering in pregnancy: cross-cultural implications. Health Care Women Int 1995; 17: 25–34.Google Scholar

Moynihan, B, Gaboury, MT, Onken, KJ. Undocumented and unprotected immigrant women and children in harm’s way. Journal Forensic Nurs 2008; 4: 123–9.Google Scholar

Cha, S, Masho, SW. Intimate partner violence and utilization of prenatal care in the United States. J Interpers Violence 2014; 29: 911–27.Google Scholar

Royal College of Midwives. Domestic Abuse: Pregnancy, Birth and the Puerperium. Guidance Paper No. 5. London: RCM, 2006.Google Scholar

American Medical Association. Diagnostic and treatment guidelines on domestic violence. Arch Fam Med 1992; 1: 39–47.Google Scholar

McCoy, M. Domestic violence: clues to victimisation. Ann Emerg Med 1996; 27: 764–5.Google Scholar

Grisso, JA, Schwarz, DF, Hirschinger, N, et al. Violent injuries among women in an urban area. N Engl J Med 1999; 341: 1899–905.Google Scholar

Hall, M, Chappell, LC, Parnell, BL, Seed, PT, Bewley, S. Associations between intimate partner violence and termination of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Medicine 2014; 11(1): e1001581.Google Scholar

Dartnall, E, Jewkes, R. Sexual violence against women: the scope of the problem. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2013 27: 3–13.Google Scholar

Bohn, DK, Parker, B. Domestic violence and pregnancy. Health effects and implications for nursing practice. In Campbell, JC, Humphreys, J (eds), Nursing Care of Survivors of Family Violence. London: Mosby, 1987.Google Scholar

Samandari, G, Martin, SL, Schiro, S. Homicide among pregnant and postpartum women in the United States: a review of the literature. Trauma Violence Abuse 2010 11: 42–54.Google Scholar

Martin, SL. Macy, RJ. Sullivan, K. Magee, ML. Pregnancy-associated violent deaths: the role of intimate partner violence. Trauma Violence Abuse 2007; 8: 135–48.Google Scholar

Walling, MK, Reiter, RC, O’Hara, MW, et al. Abuse history and chronic pain in women: I. Prevalences of sexual abuse and physical abuse. Obstet Gynecol 1994; 84: 193–9.Google Scholar

Ratner, PA. Indicators of exposure to wife-abuse. Can J Nurs Res 1995; 27: 31–46.Google Scholar

Eby, K, Campbell, J, Sullivan, C, Davidson, WS. Health effects of experiences of sexual violence for women with abusive partners. Health Care Women Int 1995; 16: 563–76.Google Scholar

Drossman, DA, Talley, NJ, Leserman, J, et al. Sexual and physical abuse and gastrointestinal illness: review and recommendations. Ann Intern Med 1995; 123: 782–94.Google Scholar

Schei, B, Bakketeig, LS. Gynaecological impact of sexual and physical abuse by spouse. A study of a random sample of Norwegian women. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1989; 94: 1379–83.Google Scholar

Winter, A, Stephenson, R. Intimate partner violence and symptoms of reproductive tract infections among married Indian women. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2013; 121: 218–23.Google Scholar

Campbell, JC. Health consequences of intimate partner violence. Lancet 2002; 359: 1331–6.Google Scholar

Han, A, Stewart, DE. Maternal and fetal outcomes of intimate partner violence associated with pregnancy in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2014; 124: 6–11.Google Scholar

Nayak, MB, Al-Yattama, M. Assault victim history as a factor in depression during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1999; 94: 204–8.Google Scholar

Schmied, V, Johnson, M, Naidoo, N, et al. Maternal mental health in Australia and New Zealand: a review of longitudinal studies. Women Birth 2013; 26: 167–78.Google Scholar

Shadigian, E, Bauer, ST. Pregnancy-associated death: a qualitative systematic review of homicide and suicide. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2005; 60: 183–90.Google Scholar

Stewart, DE. Incidence of postpartum abuse in women with a history of abuse during pregnancy. CMAJ 1994; 151: 1601–4.Google Scholar

Murphy, CC, Schei, B, Myhr, TL, et al. Abuse: a risk factor for low birth weight? A systematic review and meta-analysis. CMAJ 2001; 164: 1567–72.Google Scholar

Shah, PS, Shah, J. Maternal exposure to domestic violence and pregnancy and birth outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Knowledge Synthesis Group on Determinants of Preterm/LBW Births. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2010; 19: 2017–31.Google Scholar

Donovan, BM, Spracklen, CN, Schweizer, ML, Ryckman, KK, Saftlas, AF. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and the risk for adverse infant outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2016; 123: 1289–99. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.13928.Google Scholar

Hill, A, Pallitto, C, McCleary-Sills, J, Garcia-Moreno, C. A systematic review and meta-analysis of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and selected birth outcomes. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2016; 133: 269–76. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.10.023.Google Scholar

Shumway, J, O’Campo, P, Gielen, A, et al. Preterm labour, placental abruption and premature rupture of membranes in relation to maternal violence or verbal abuse. J Matern Fetal Med 1999; 8: 76–80.Google Scholar

Robinson, J. The battered fetus. Br J Midwifery 1996; 4: 496–8.CrossRef Google Scholar

Bewley, S, Friend, J, Mezey, G (eds). Violence Against Women. London: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 1997.Google Scholar

Department of Health. Responding to Domestic Abuse. A Handbook for Health Professionals. London: DOH, 2006.Google Scholar

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Domestic Violence. ACOG Technical Bulletin 209. Washington, DC: ACOG, 1995.Google Scholar

Jahanfar, S, Janssen, PA, Howard, LM, Dowswell, T. Interventions for preventing or reducing domestic violence against pregnant women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013 (2): CD009414.Google Scholar

Kramer, A, Nosbusch, JM, Rice, J. Safe mom, safe baby: a collaborative model of care for pregnant women experiencing intimate partner violence. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2012; 26: 307–18.Google Scholar

Sharps, PW, Campbell, J, Baty, ML, Walker, KS, Bair-Merritt, MH. Current evidence on perinatal home visiting and intimate partner violence. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2008; 37: 480–90.Google Scholar

Nelson, HD, Bougatsos, C, Blazina, I. Screening women for intimate partner violence: a systematic review to update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation. Annals of Internal Medicine 2012; 156: 796–808.Google Scholar

British Medical Association. Domestic Violence: A Health Care Issue? London: BMA, 1998, pp. 51–2.Google Scholar

Norton, LB, Peipert, JF, Zierler, S, et al. Battering in pregnancy: An assessment of two screening methods. Obstet Gynecol 1995; 85: 321–5.Google Scholar

O’Reilly, R, Beale, B, Gillies, D. Screening and intervention for domestic violence during pregnancy care: a systematic review. Trauma Violence Abuse 2010; 11: 190–201.Google Scholar

Bacchus, L, Mezey, G, Bewley, S. Women’s perceptions and experiences of routine screening for domestic violence in a maternity service. BJOG 2002; 109: 9–16.Google Scholar

Rodriguez, MA, Szkupinski, S, Bauer, HM: Breaking the silence. Arch Fam Med 1996; 5: 153–8.Google Scholar

Covington, DL, Diehl, SJ, Wright, BD, Piner, M. Assessing for violence during pregnancy using a systematic approach. Matern Child Health J 1997; 1: 129–33.Google Scholar

Sullivan, CM, Bybee, DI. Reducing violence using community-based advocacy for women with abusive partners. J Consult Clin Psychol 1999; 67: 43–53.Google Scholar

Bybee, DI, Sullivan, CM. Predicting re-victimisation of battered women 3 years after exiting a shelter program. Am J Community Psychol 2005; 36: 85–96.Google Scholar

McFarlane, J, Soeken, K, Reel, S, et al. Resource use by abused women following an intervention programme: associated severity of abuse and reports of ending abuse. Public Health Nurs 1997; 14: 244–50.Google Scholar

McFarlane, J, Soeken, K, Wiist, W. An evaluation of interventions to decrease intimate partner violence to pregnant women. Public Health Nurs 2000; 17: 443–51.Google Scholar

McFarlane, J, Soeken, K, Wiist, W. An evaluation of interventions to decrease intimate partner violence to pregnant women. Public Health Nurs 2000; 55: 52–61.Google Scholar

Ramsay, J, Rivas, C, Feder, G. Interventions to reduce violence and promote the physical and psychological well-being of women who experience partner violence: a systematic review of controlled evaluations. London: Department of Health, 2005, p. 43.Google Scholar

Sheridan, DJ. Forensic documentation of battered pregnant women. J Nurse Midwifery 1996; 41: 467–72.Google Scholar

Salmon, D, Baird, K, Price, S, et al. An Evaluation of the Bristol Pregnancy and Domestic Violence Programme to Promote the Introduction of Routine Antenatal Enquiry for Domestic Violence at North Bristol NHS Trust. Bristol: University of West England, Faculty of Health and Social Care, 2005.Google Scholar

Bacchus, LJ, Bewley, S, Vitolas, CT, et al. Evaluation of a domestic violence intervention in the maternity and sexual health services of a UK hospital. Reprod Health Matters 2010; 18: 147–57.Google Scholar

Harwell, TS, Casten, RJ, Armstrong, KA, et al. Results of a domestic violence training program offered to staff of urban community health centers. Am J Prev Med 1998; 15: 235–42.Google Scholar

Dean, SV, Mason, E, Howson, CP, et al. Born too soon: care before and between pregnancy to prevent preterm births: from evidence to action. Reprod Health 2013; 10 (Suppl 1): S3.Google Scholar

Wiist, WH, McFarlane, J. The effectiveness of an abuse assessment protocol in public health prenatal clinics. Am J Public Health 1999; 89: 17–21.Google Scholar

Morrison, LJ, Allan, R, Grunfield, A. Improving the emergency department detection rate of domestic violence using direct questioning. J Emerg Med 2000; 19: 117–24.Google Scholar

Sharps, PW, Bullock, LF, Campbell, JC, et al. Domestic Violence Enhanced Perinatal Home Visits: the DOVE randomized clinical trial. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2016; 25: 1129–38.Google Scholar

Book contents

Chapter 2 - Domestic Violence in Pregnancy (Content last reviewed: 15th March 2020)

Summary

Access options

References

Further Reading

References

Save book to Kindle

Save book to Dropbox

Save book to Google Drive