Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy in North America
When a couple announces their pregnancy, most people begin congratulating the pair and assure them that the next 9 months will hold some of the most memorable moments of their lives. The hidden truth in this case, though, is that the now expecting woman is also a victim of intimate partner violence, the moments that were supposed to be filled with joy and happiness quickly turn into thoughts of terror and uncertainty. “Perinatal intimate partner violence (IPV) is violence that occurs before, during, and after pregnancy, up to one year postpartum (the childbearing year) and is committed by an intimate partner” (Sharps, Laughon, & Giangrande, 2007, p. 105-106). Given the complexity of the situation above, one could not imagine how greatly intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy – which is linked to preterm birth and other adverse side effects – affects perinatal nursing care in North America.
Effects of IPV During Pregnancy Approximately 21% of women in Canada who reported being abused by an intimate partner said that they were also abused during pregnancy (BCRCP, 2003). Partner abuse often causes many adverse side effects, especially when the victim of this violence is pregnant.
Direct Effects of IPV
IPV during pregnancy can produce many direct effects on the mother,
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Once the abuse is disclosed by the patient the British Columbia Reproductive Care Program’s (BCRCP) Obstetric Guideline states that the caregiver should (a) be supportive, (b) link presenting health concerns with abuse and consider other health impacts, (c) assess for and minimize potential barriers to care, (d) provide women with information about community and legal services, and (e) develop a safety plan