Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and the Postpartum: An Increasing Problem Worldwide
摘要
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPV-P) is a significant yet often underrecognized public health issue with serious implications for maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. Despite global commitments to eradicate gender-based violence, IPV remains the most widespread human rights violation worldwide, disproportionately affecting women in vulnerable conditions and resource-limited settings. This chapter presents the findings of a scoping review conducted to examine the global prevalence, associated risk factors, health and social consequences, and policy and clinical challenges related to IPV-P. The aim is to contribute to the growing body of evidence that supports the need for systematic detection and intervention strategies within health systems. A systematic search was carried out across bibliographic databases without restrictions on study design or publication type. Studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese between 2003 and 2025 were included, yielding 75 studies from 68 countries. The analysis incorporated cross-sectional studies, systematic reviews, and cohort studies. Data were extracted on IPV prevalence, contributing factors, and reported impacts. The results show the prevalence rates of IPV-P ranged from 4% to 65%, with higher rates reported in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Emotional and psychological abuse were the most frequently reported forms of IPV during pregnancy, though physical and sexual violence were also significant. Risk factors were classified using an ecological model, highlighting individual (e.g., low education, early pregnancy, mental health conditions), relational (e.g., partner unemployment, substance use, lack of social support), community (e.g., normalization of violence, limited healthcare access), and structural (e.g., gender inequality, economic instability) determinants. The consequences of IPV-P were substantial and included preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care admission, and postpartum depression. Women with disabilities, adolescents, and displaced or refugee populations were at greater risk. The findings underscore the urgency of integrating routine IPV screening into prenatal care, developing standardized surveillance systems, and ensuring that health professionals are trained in early detection and appropriate response. Furthermore, the chapter advocates for the application of an intersectional lens in public health policies to recognize and respond to the complex vulnerabilities experienced by pregnant women.