Domestic violence against women in their childbearing years: A review of the literature

Domestic violence against women within their childbearing years can lead to serious injury and death of both the mother and infant. Evidence suggests that women are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence during pregnancy and the post-natal period. During pregnancy and the post-natal period women are more likely to come into contact with health workers who are uniquely positioned to identify and support women experiencing domestic violence. This paper examines the literature around domestic violence in the childbearing years specifically the prevalence of domestic violence in the childbearing years, the associated factors, the implications for both mother and baby and the health professionals' role in addressing domestic violence. Identified within this review is that there is a paucity of literature that explores domestic violence against women throughout the childbearing years, in particular the postnatal period. This is especially so in relation to women's experiential accounts. Examination of the literature also reveals that the issue of domestic violence against childbearing women is poorly addressed by health care professionals.