Acknowledging a persistent truth: domestic violence in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gender Studies
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Violence against women (VAW) is a global issue with profound negative impacts on women's sexual and reproductive health and well-being.
• Gender inequality is a root cause of VAW, persisting across societies and violating women's human rights.
• VAW can occur or intensify during pregnancy, posing significant risks to the woman, fetus, and child.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical link between violence against women and adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
• To emphasize the role of gender inequality as a fundamental driver of this violence.
• To explore the potential of screening and referral interventions in clinical settings to address VAW.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of existing literature and data on violence against women and its health consequences.
• It synthesizes evidence on the impact of VAW on maternal and child health.
• It discusses the effectiveness of interventions, such as screening pregnant women for abuse.

Main Results:

• Violence against women has devastating effects on women's sexual and reproductive health.
• The health of children is also negatively affected by exposure to violence.
• Pregnancy can be a period where violence escalates, with severe consequences for all involved.

Conclusions:

• Addressing violence against women is crucial for improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
• Interventions like questioning pregnant women about violence and offering referrals can help break cycles of abuse.
• Combating gender inequality is essential for long-term prevention of violence against women.