We don't like to think about it: intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum

Violence directed by an intimate partner toward the pregnant woman and her fetus, or during the first year after delivery, is often either not recognized by professionals or suspected but not addressed. There is no typical abused woman; in fact, intimate partner violence occurs across all social, economic, educational, and professional settings. Physical or sexual abuse may be readily observed in some instances or well hidden at other times; the emotional components of verbal, economic, and isolation abuse are often difficult to assess. All types of intimate partner violence require sensitive assessment and intervention by healthcare professionals, as numerous undesirable outcomes for both the mother and her fetus/baby have been identified. Suggestions for assessment and intervention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) are offered.