Violence during pregnancy is a widespread and clinically significant issue. According to the 2014 ISTAT survey, the incidence is 12%, with serious consequences for the psycho-physical health of both mothers and their children, including an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and both fetal and neonatal mortality. The pregnancy period, marked by changes in relationship dynamics, can exacerbate or reveal instances of abuse. In this context, the healthcare system plays a crucial role; prenatal visits provide continuity of care and a safe environment in which women feel heard. Trusting relationships with gynecologists and midwives facilitate the disclosure of violent experiences. A Cochrane review has shown that healthcare screening significantly enhances the identification of domestic violence, but it is still rarely used in Italy. To assess the feasibility of identifying intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, SVSeD, in collaboration with the Family Counseling Center of the Policlinico Hospital of Milan, developed a brief questionnaire to be administered in the first, second, and third trimesters. This questionnaire explores vulnerability factors, indicators of violence, and includes the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) tool. Administered in a protected interview setting without the partner present, the questionnaire aims to identify abuse and promptly activate a support network.
Domestic violence in pregnancy: the role of maternity services / G. Barbara. ((Intervento presentato al 6. convegno European Family Justice Center Alliance conference : 4-5 september tenutosi a Milano nel 2024.
Domestic violence in pregnancy: the role of maternity services
G. Barbara
2024
Abstract
Violence during pregnancy is a widespread and clinically significant issue. According to the 2014 ISTAT survey, the incidence is 12%, with serious consequences for the psycho-physical health of both mothers and their children, including an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and both fetal and neonatal mortality. The pregnancy period, marked by changes in relationship dynamics, can exacerbate or reveal instances of abuse. In this context, the healthcare system plays a crucial role; prenatal visits provide continuity of care and a safe environment in which women feel heard. Trusting relationships with gynecologists and midwives facilitate the disclosure of violent experiences. A Cochrane review has shown that healthcare screening significantly enhances the identification of domestic violence, but it is still rarely used in Italy. To assess the feasibility of identifying intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, SVSeD, in collaboration with the Family Counseling Center of the Policlinico Hospital of Milan, developed a brief questionnaire to be administered in the first, second, and third trimesters. This questionnaire explores vulnerability factors, indicators of violence, and includes the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) tool. Administered in a protected interview setting without the partner present, the questionnaire aims to identify abuse and promptly activate a support network.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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