intimate partner violence

Question 1

what is the annual prevalence of intimate partner violence in Canada?

Answer 1

-6-8%

Question 2

how many women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16?

Answer 2

half, of these 25% was by an intimate partner

Question 3

of Canadian women who reported being abused by their partner during pregnancy, how many stated the violence began during pregnancy?

Answer 3

40%

Question 4

how many women reported being victimized by partner while pregnant?

Answer 4

over 63 000, which is 11% of female spousal abuse vicitms

Question 5

what percentage of pregnant women may be affected by abuse during pregnancy?

Answer 5

26% aka more than 1/4

Question 6

of pregnant or newly postpartum women with substance dependancies, how many reported having at least one abusive relationships?

Answer 6

70% with 45% reporting being abused during current pregnancy

Question 7

what can be negative impacts related to intimate partner violence during pregnancy?

Answer 7

• delayed or less prenatal care
• increased stress and/or depression
• less weight gain
• increased substance use/abuse
• increased physical and sexual health complaints
• preterm birth
• low birthweight
• SGA

Question 8

how high is the rate of violence for indigenous women compared to non-indigenous in MB/SK?

Answer 8

57.2% for indigenous, 18.5% for non-indigenous

Question 9

how much more likely is an indigenous woman to be killed by their partner than a non-indigenous woman?

Answer 9

8 times more likely

Question 10

what assessment findings could indicate abuse?

Answer 10

• injuries inconsistent with explaination
• report of vague, non-specific health concerns
• changing story with different interviews/interviewers
• painful vaginal examinations
• anxious behavior (crying, sighing, minimizing statements, searching eye contact or no eye contact)
• comments alluding to emotional abuse
• comments about abused “friend”
• behaving afraid of partner or deferring/checking responses with partner
• partner may be focused on themselves/their needs rather than her injuries, labour, or concerns
• woman may have difficulty following recommended treatment

Question 11

what are some things to avoid when abuse is suspected in a pregnant patient?

Answer 11

• avoid referrals without permission
• avoid contact with police without permission
• avoid speaking to abuser regarding abuse
• avoid prescribing inappropriate medications or recommending treatment plans that are difficult to adhere to or would keep woman in unsafe conditions

Question 12

what are some ways health care providers can build trust with patients who may be suffering abuse?

Answer 12

• assure confidentiality and privacy
• receive explicit and informed consent for all referrals and consultations
• validate woman’s experiences
• believe her
• respect right not to disclose
• respect right to leave (and return) to abusive relationship
• do not pressure her to make changes she is unable to or as of yet unwilling to make
• be non-judgemental and open

Question 13

what kind of screening for intimate partner violence is effect?

Answer 13

• no one tool has been found to be ideal, but how a practitioner asks and asking seems to be most important!
• most women will not spontaneously disclose, but will choose to disclose when asked directly
• should be routine part of prenatal care

Question 14

what are some ways to empower a woman who may be in an abusive relationship?

Answer 14

• provide information
• ensure she can make decisions without judgement from staff
• acknowledge woman’s expertise in knowing what is best for her and her children’s safety
• recognize diversity
• be aware of available and appropriate resources
• ensure opportunity to speak alone in confidence
• if partner will not leave, find a private moment
• demonstrate comfort and knowledge about discussing abuse - provide info and resources, have them openly available

Question 15

what are some general principles for dealing with disclosure of abuse?

Answer 15

• be supportive when abuse is disclosed
• link health concerns with abuse and other health impacts
• assess to minimize potential barriers to care
• provide information about community and legal services
• encourage and help develop safety plan with woman