The Perinatal Experience of Women With a History of Intimate Partner Violence: The Birth Experience Study

Experiencing intimate partner violence impacts the ongoing physical and psychological health of women and can contribute to poorer maternal and neonatal health during the perinatal period. In a national maternity experiences cross-sectional online survey, 1198 (13.6%) women identified as experiencing IPV in their lifetime. Using quantitative descriptive statistics, the maternity and mental health measures were explored for women who had experienced IPV and had a baby in Australia between 2016 and 2021. The findings demonstrated significant differences in the sociodemographic factors, mental health history, pregnancy and birth experiences, and negative interactions with health care providers. The findings in this study demonstrate how previously traumatized women can leave the maternity system retraumatized and identify the need for a trauma-informed approach to maternity care.