The silent enemy: domestic violence in pregnancy

This article discusses the concept of domestic violence in pregnancy and describes the main findings of a pilot study which explored midwives' knowledge and experience of domestic violence in pregnancy. The findings of the study highlights the fact that midwives did not not feel adequately prepared to deal with victims of domestic violence. Midwives did not routinely screen for domestic violence and admitted to being reluctant to do so. Respondents were aware of a gap in their knowledge and practice and agreed that they needed more education and support on the topic.