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Intimate Partner Violence

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  • Prior to pregnancy, ask women about past experiences of interpersonal violence, sexual violence, or child maltreatment so that psychological issues can be treated.
  • Screen all women of childbearing potential for intimate partner violence and other current sources of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, including reproductive coercion using the following 3 questions:
    • Within the last year, have you been hit, slapped, kicked, or otherwise physically hurt or threatened by someone?
    • Since you've been pregnant, have you been hit, slapped, kicked, or otherwise physically hurt or threatened by someone?
    • Within the last year, has anyone forced you to engage in sexual activities that made you uncomfortable?
    • See resources for more information
  • If screen is positive, offer further evaluation and counseling with mental health and/or social work  to assess personal safety and available resources for safe shelter.
  • Counsel women that during pregnancy, interpersonal violence and abuse may increase.
  • Discuss "invisible" contraceptives that cannot be detected by a woman's partner, such as an IUD with a very short string or Depo-Provera.
  • Offer emergency contraception to have at home when needed.
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