The cyclical and intergenerational effects of perinatal domestic abuse and mental health.

FAMILY violence & psychology; MENTAL health; MATERNAL health services; PREGNANCY & psychology; PREVENTION of family violence; FAMILY violence risk factors; PSYCHOLOGY of abused women; CHILD development; EVALUATION of medical care; MIDWIVES; PREGNANCY complications; PATHOLOGICAL psychology; RISK assessment; PSYCHOLOGICAL stress; MIDWIFERY; FETAL development; PREGNANCY

Domestic abuse and mental health disorders are particularly dangerous during the perinatal period, due to their effects on both the mother and the developing fetus. Furthermore, domestic violence and mental health appear to be linked, which can result in these issues being passed down through generations. In order for health professionals to respond efficaciously, pre-registration and ongoing training is needed on how to ask, respond, provide support and refer women on to appropriate supportive agencies. High-quality research is also needed to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]