Mental Wellbeing among Women Victimized by Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence against women (IPV) is a serious epedemic problem. Affected women have a higher risk of unintended pregnancies (UP). ELSA (“Experiences and Living Conditions of Unintended Pregnant Women – Counselling and Care Services”) analyse the prevalence and health effects of IPV in the context of IPV in Germany. Using an online questionnaire, women from (1) a random representative sample of residents with a child under 6 years of age and (2) a sample of 662 women from abortion facilities or counselling centres were surveyed in 2021. The data (n = 5,101) were analysed to (1) compare the prevalence of IPV and unintended pregnancy among victimized vs. non-victimized women and (2) identify risk factors for victims’ mental well-being. Overall, 6.5% of the total sample (95% CI [6.2, 7.6]) reported IPV, they had a 5.6 times higher risk of unintended pregnancy (95% CI [4.2, 7.5]) and a 3.2 times higher risk of abortion (95% CI [2.0, 5.0]). Victims with unintended pregnancies had significantly poorer mental health before (t(510) = 7.081***), during (t(510) = 5.501***), and after birth (t(456) = 5.234***), as well as before (t(503) = 4.905***), during (t(224) = 3.408*), and after (t(503) = 3.352***) abortion. A stepwise multivariate regression identified predictors of mental well-being during pregnancy among victims of IPV. Poorer mental well-being shortly before pregnancy was predicted by being in psychotherapeutic treatment (B = -9.952, SE = 4.688, β = -.178, 95% CI [-19.241, -0.664]) and during pregnancy by reproductive coercion (B = -7.855, SE = 3.755, β = -.123, 95% CI [-15.271, -0.438]). Victimized women are in a heightened risk situation with lower wellbeing in the context of IPV and UP. Health care professionals can play a key role in prevention and intervention, as well as in improving mental well-being. In line with the Istanbul Convention, nationwide awareness-raising, training, protocols, and institutional commitment are required.

Key messages

• The study confirms international findings on IPV and unintended pregnancies for Germany.

• Having an abortion does not affect the wellbeing of women suffering IPV.