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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
Author(s) -
Gartland Deirdre,
Woolhouse Hannah,
Mensah Fiona K.,
Hegarty Kelsey,
Hiscock Harriet,
Brown Stephanie J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
birth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.233
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1523-536X
pISSN - 0730-7659
DOI - 10.1111/birt.12123
Subject(s) - psychiatry , psychological abuse , intervention (counseling) , medicine , population , domestic violence , cohort , cohort study , poison control , clinical psychology , psychology , suicide prevention , medical emergency , environmental health , pathology
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 mothers reported abuse at both time points. Children of mothers reporting abuse at both times were more likely to experience emotional and/or behavioral difficulties at age 4, compared to children of mothers not reporting abuse, after adjusting for maternal depressive symptoms, relationship transitions and other social characteristics (Adj. OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.2–5.5]). Conclusions Intimate partner abuse impacted the lives of one in four children. Children of mothers reporting abuse at both time points were at most risk of emotional/behavioral difficulties. The case for early intervention to reduce the impact of intimate partner abuse on women's and children's lives is compelling.