Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and the first year postpartum in an Australian pregnancy cohort study

D. Gartland, S. A. Hemphill, K. Hegarty, S. J. Brown

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To assess intimate partner violence (IPV) in a longitudinal cohort study during and after pregnancy, and examine social and economic factors encouraging or inhibiting violence. Nulliparous women were recruited from 6 public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Selfadministered questionnaires included standardised measures assessing fear of an intimate partner at enrolment, 6 and 12 months postpartum; and period prevalence of physical and emotional abuse in the first 12 months postpartum. 1,507 women completed baseline data (mean gestation 15 weeks). Response fractions at 3, 6 and 12 months postpartum were 95, 93 and 90%, respectively. 5.1 and 5.4% of women reported fear in pregnancy and the first year postpartum, respectively. 17% experienced physical and/or emotional abuse in the first year postpartum. Most women who reported fear of an intimate partner in the first year after the index birth reported fear before and/or during pregnancy. Women working in early pregnancy who qualified for paid maternity leave had significantly reduced odds of reporting combined physical and emotional IPV in the first 12 months postpartum compared with women not working (Adj. OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.55). Women working but not eligible for paid leave had reduced odds compared with women not working (Adj. OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.24-1.00). Models adjusted for maternal age, relationship status, income and education level. Few first time mothers reported fear for the first time after childbirth suggesting that IPV more commonly commences prior to the first birth. Paid maternity leave may have broader social benefits beyond immediate financial benefits to women and families.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)570-578
Number of pages9
JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal
Volume15
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Intimate partner violence
  • Longitudinal cohort study
  • Postpartum
  • Pregnancy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Cite this