Current Reports on Perinatal Intimate Partner Violence

Purpose of ReviewThe purpose of this study was to review the literature on perinatal intimate partner violence, focusing on recent knowledge to guide mental health professionals on the best approaches to identify and treat women exposed to perinatal intimate partner violence.Recent FindingsRisk factors have been broadened from individual victim and perpetrator factors to include relationship, community, and societal factors which interact together. Better information is now available on how to identify, document, and treat women exposed to violence around the time of conception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.SummaryRecent information helps psychiatrists and other mental health professionals assist women exposed to violence related to the perinatal period; however, further research is needed to provide improved evidence for optimal interventions for better patient outcomes.