Identifying and Responding to Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) in Pregnancy

Explore the challenges of providing care for DVA in the context of pregnancy

Around 1 in 12 people are exposed to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) during pregnancy.

Health appointments during this time are a good opportunity for maternity staff and other health professionals to ask people about DVA and offer support. Maternity staff routinely screen for DVA, yet disclosure and referral rates remain low.

On this course, you will discover the research, guidelines and techniques for screening for DVA more effectively.

You will have the opportunity to enhance your ability to support victims and contribute to creating change in DVA rates during pregnancy.

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.

• Insights into domestic violence and abuse during pregnancy
• Welcome
• Defining and exploring domestic violence
• Who is at risk of being exposed to domestic violence and abuse?
• Evidence for interventions for those exposed to DVA during the perinatal period
• Summary
• Asking about domestic violence and abuse and best practice responses
• Welcome back
• Setting the scene for asking about domestic violence and abuse
• Asking about domestic violence and abuse
• Enhancing safety
• Facilitating support
• Personal experiences
• Getting involved