Clinicians say regular, consistent screening of pregnant women for depression and childhood trauma could help detect those who are victims of intimate partner violence.
Clinicians are calling for more consistent screening and a boost of funding to violence response services .
The findings build on a significant body of research pointing to this link, with doctors saying pregnancy is a unique opportunity to build trust with patients and screen for violence regularly, and new programs are broadening options for screening.Psychiatrist Megan Galbally led the Monash study and found pregnant women experiencing intimate partner violence were significantly more likely to develop depression.
Professor Galbally said frequent visits during pregnancy mean doctors can build trust with patients and consistently check in about their safety. Emotional and physical intimate partner violence was strongly associated with patients reporting mental health issues like depression and anxiety but also physical health problems too.Kelsey Hegarty, who led the SUSTAIN study and directs the Melbourne Royal Women's Hospital's Centre for Family Violence Prevention, said giving pregnant patients a range of avenues to disclose can be beneficial.
"They're under-resourced, there is not enough availability even within the sort of hospital settings in terms of the social workers and others who get involved in this.
Pregnancy Check-Ups Depression Violence Response Services
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