Intimate partner violence is prevalent in the pregnancy community. Current talks among medical experts address the issues related to intimate partner violence, but little is known about how pregnant women react to questioning about potential violence from a medical professional. Researchers recently published a report based on questionnaires completed by pregnant women in Germany. The aim of the questionnaires was to reveal how pregnant women would react to inquiry during a prenatal or antenatal visit. The study was published in BMC Pregnancy Childbirth.
Researchers delivered 401 questionnaires to pregnant women in Germany. More than 90% of the women were accepting of the idea of case-based or routine inquiry. The overwhelming support for intervention means women seek help and support, but medical professionals must be trained in adequate interview techniques and intervention methods prior to initiating conversation on the subject of intimate partner violence.
Source: Stöckl H, Hertlein L, Himsl I, Ditsch N, Blume C, Hasbargen U, Friese K, Stöckl D. Acceptance of routine or case-based inquiry for intimate partner violence: a mixed method study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2013 Mar 26;13(1):77.
