The Case for Early Intervention to Reduce the Impact of Intimate Partner Abuse on Child Outcomes: Results of an Australian Cohort of First-Time Mothers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner abuse is a major contributor to death, disability, and illness in women of childbearing age, but little is known about population level impact on children. METHOD: Prospective pregnancy cohort of 1,507 first-time mothers recruited from six public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Follow-up included validated measures of intimate partner abuse at 1 and 4 years (Composite Abuse Scale) and child emotional and behavioral difficulties at 4 years (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of mothers reported partner abuse in the first 4 years postpartum: 20 percent reported abuse in the first year and 21 percent at 4 years; 12 percent of ..