Media Centre

Media Advisories

Medical experts' consensus on policy and action against intimate partner violence

Montreal, Quebec – June 2, 2005 – 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. The SOGC released its Intimate Partner Violence Consensus Statement today developed by experts from across Canada. Intimate Partner Violence 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.

“Helping to reduce the risk of violence in a domestic situation benefits women, children and society as a whole. As physicians we have an opportunity to lessen the chance of miscarriage, low birth weight, and preterm birth for the mother and unborn child faced with this violence. Obstetricians, gynaecologists, nurses and midwives, and all healthcare practitioners, must play a role in ending intimate partner violence," says Dr. Vyta Senikas, Associate Executive Vice-President, SOGC.

Dr. Margaret Burnett, Chair of the SOGC’s Social and Sexual Issues Committee, explains why this type of clinical guideline is necessary. “We recognise that women’s health is directly affected by the phenomenon of intimate partner violence. The purpose of the consensus statement is to provide our members with an understanding of some of the important issues affecting these vulnerable individuals. It outlines practical strategies and tools with which to assist our patients whether or not they are ready to make a change in their domestic situations.

"Stopping violence against women and girls is everyone's responsibility. The SOGC’s IPV Consensus Statement, is an important tool to enable health care professionals to provide appropriate support to women and girls who have experienced intimate partner violence, “adds Cheryl Hotchkiss, of Amnesty International Canada.

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.

Dr. Catherine Younger-Lewis, of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) strongly endorses the development of the IPV Consensus statement. “The impact of IPV on the health of women and their children cannot be overestimated. The Stages of Change Model is intriguing and a welcomed tool for healthcare providers.”

The SOGC would like to see its members facilitate disclosure as an essential component of clinical practice. The Consensus provides a framework for an appropriate response that will allow an assessment of risk and appropriate referrals to community resources for informationsharing, advocacy-counselling and protection.

“The SOGC is to be commended for developing a framework for their members to address the risk of partner violence while treating the women in their care. Partner violence leads to a series of health concerns for women and their children. They need the support of their healthcare providers in recognizing the various forms of violence, receiving validation and suggestions for action. The privacy of a doctor’s office is an ideal place for these issues to be raised. Physicians can play a critical role in “denormalizing” partner violence. The Canadian Women’s Health Network views this as an important health goal,” says Madeline Boscoe, Executive Director Canadian Women’s Health Network.

“Intimate Partner Violence consensus statement is impressive. As a director of an emergency shelter for abused women and children and a former front-line worker, I do believe it is of utmost importance to have physicians trained properly on how to deal with abused women and their children. I have seen thousands of women fleeing abused since 1992, of which many had seen a doctor regularly, but were never referred to a shelter. This document once put into place will hopefully help women and their children find their way out sooner rather then never, “ says Renee Parent, Executive Director, Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton.

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

This document along and an IPV Assessment Toolkit can be accessed through the SOGC website at www.sogc.org.

About the SOGC

Founded in 1944, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada is comprised of over 2,700 professional members, including gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. A leading authority on reproductive health care, the SOGC produces national guidelines for both public and medical education on important women's health issues. The Society's mission is to promote optimal women's health through leadership, collaboration, education, research and advocacy in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Last Updated April 19, 2007