Women's Health Information

General Health

Intimate Partner Violence

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) has identified violence as an important determinant of women’s health and is committed to supporting its members in their care of abused women.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant, underlying cause of poor health and is well-documented as a serious public health issue. In addition to being at increased risk for physical harm, victims of all forms of violence are vulnerable to complications, which eventually lead to chronic health problems.

Violence is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Those experiencing violence have an increased risk of substance abuse, psychiatric disorders and suicide, chronic physical disorders, sexual complaints and recurrent pregnancy termination. Contact with a physician often provides a unique opportunity for the victim to disclose intimate partner violence.

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Important Factors on IPV and Women’s Health:

• Canadian surveys of IPV, the most common form of violence experienced by women, have found an annual prevalence of 6% to 8%; this is considered a conservative estimate due to underreporting.
• Prevalence rates among pregnant and adolescent women appear to be greater Women, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, health status and presence or absence of current partner are at risk for IPV
• Women abused during pregnancy are more likely to be depressed, suicidal, experience pregnancy complications and poor outcomes, including maternal and fetal death
• Women who are immigrants or refugees, lesbians, women of colour, Aboriginal women, and women with disabilities may experience forms of IPV, may experience IPV differently, and may have more barriers to disclosure, than mainstream women.
• For pregnant women, clinical interventions that included counselling to increase safety behaviours resulted in the adoption of these practices and reductions in abusive incidents.
• Children whose mothers experience IPV are at greater risk of developmental difficulties and may themselves be abused

Last Updated May 4, 2011