Stability and Change in Types of Intimate Partner Violence Across Pre-Pregnancy, Pregnancy, and the Postpartum Period

Abstract

Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted after childbirth with 2,709 female residents of Iowa to examine experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) across pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum. IPV was most prevalent during the postpartum period, followed by pre-pregnancy and pregnancy. Violence in one period increased the likelihood of violence in subsequent periods. Latent transition analysis revealed three classes of women: those who experienced No IPV, Predominantly Sexual IPV, or Physical IPV Only. Change in IPV type across time was associated with whether women had intended, and whether their partners wanted, the pregnancy and with marital status. Findings suggest a continuity of violence for childbearing women who experience IPV prior to conception and have numerous implications for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.

Keywords:

• Intimate partner violence
• pregnancy
• postpartum
• latent transition analysis
• maternal health
• perinatal risk

Authors’ note

The content of this article does not reflect the official opinion of the United Nations. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the article lies entirely with the authors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by NIH Grant RO1-HD39753. The authors are grateful to the many women who took part in this study.