Intimate Partner Violence

What is IPV (Intimate Partner Violence)?

IPV is defined by the World Health Organization as “behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours. This definition covers violence by both current and former spouses and partners.” It can also be called “domestic violence”, or “spousal abuse”.

For more information on the impacts of IPV, see our page here.

IPV in Pregnancy

IPV can increase the risk of serious complications during pregnancy and postpartum, including:

Low birth weight
Preterm labour/ birth
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Miscarriage
Poor weight gain for newborn
Delayed prenatal care
Delayed or missed postpartum care
Postpartum depression and/ or anxiety

Some studies on the prevalence of IPV suggest that the risk of it occurring increases during pregnancy, or that it can become more severe. Prenatal care provides a window of opportunity for identification and intervention of IPV by healthcare providers. If you are experiencing IPV in pregnancy or postpartum, you can speak to your healthcare provider to get access to support for you and your baby. Healthcare providers will be able to provide moments where you can speak with them without anyone else present, or a way to signal that you wish to disclose something alone. Read below for more information on where to go for help.

Where to go for help

If you are in danger, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact victim services: Victim services

Assaulted Women’s Helpline: Assaulted Women’s Helpline

A shelter or victim support centre: Victim Support Directory

A shelter for Indigenous women: ontario.ca

Take-Home Message

If you have experienced IPV, know that it is not your fault, and you don’t have to face this alone. Support and services are available for you whether you are currently experiencing IPV, or have experienced IPV in the past.