In plain words
Intimate partner violence is abuse by a current or former partner. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, or financial, or a pattern of control, such as tracking, isolation, or threats. It is not always visible, and it often gets worse over time. Pregnancy is a period when it can begin or escalate, which is why prenatal care asks about it. Abuse is never the fault of the person being harmed. If you are in danger now, call 911. For confidential support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, by phone, text, or chat, at any hour. A clinician can also help you plan for safety and connect you to local services. You do not need to prove what happened to ask for help.
The deeper version
includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression by an intimate partner, as defined by the CDC for surveillance. Pregnancy-associated violence is common in many populations and is linked to adverse outcomes, including low birthweight and preterm birth. Homicide and suicide are leading causes of pregnancy-associated death in US analyses. ACOG recommends routine screening for IPV (Committee Opinion 518, 2012). Screening tools vary in sensitivity. Interventions include , advocacy, and referral, and evidence that universal screening improves outcomes is mixed. Controversy persists over the best way to ask, and over whether asking adds risk when a partner is present or controlling.
Where it comes up
- Your relationship during pregnancyPregnancy: Mind and Life
- Pregnancy as a single parentPregnancy: Mind and Life
- Your relationship after the babyPostpartum: Mind
What mothers here say about intimate partner violence
No one has posted under this term yet.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Committee Opinion 518: Intimate Partner Violence, 2012
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Intimate Partner Violence: Definitions, surveillance resources