Domestic Violence in Pregnancy

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for midwives and maternity staff caring for people giving birth and their families.

It may also offer useful guidance for any professional providing care for pregnant people and in the postpartum period.

Please note that the staff referred to in the “Who will you learn with” section below may be subject to change.

What topics will you cover?

Defining domestic violence and abuse

Domestic violence and abuse in the context of pregnancy, labour and postnatal settings

Barriers and opportunities for disclosure in the context of childbearing

Enhanced screening practices

Enhanced responses to disclosure in the context of childbearing

Midwives’ personal experiences of domestic violence and abuse

Professional wellbeing

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…

Identify signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse during pregnancy and in the postpartum period

Assess risk and understand the impact of DVA on pregnancy, childbirth, maternal health, infant health, long-term outcomes and parenting

Develop awareness of the research evidence underpinning interventions for DVA during pregnancy, including selective screening and healthcare responses

Develop skills in asking about abuse, including questions to ask and how to ask them and creating the conditions to allow safe disclosure

Reflect on and learn about supportive responses, referral options and follow-up

Explore challenges and barriers to provision of care to pregnant people and parents experiencing DVA, as well as addressing your own experiences of abuse as a barrier to enquiry and response