A pregnant woman stands in protective light, with shadows lurking behind, symbolizing the hidden threat of domestic violence during pregnancy.

Hidden Scars: Understanding and Addressing Domestic Violence During and After Pregnancy

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A Deep Dive into a Nepalese Study and Its Implications for Global Maternal Health"

Domestic violence (DV) during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a significant global public health issue, impacting not only the mother's health but also the well-being of the fetus and child. While often hidden, this form of violence can have devastating consequences, ranging from physical injuries to long-term psychological trauma.

A recent study conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal, sheds light on the prevalence and patterns of domestic violence in this vulnerable population. The research, which involved 660 women, examined the rates of physical, psychological, and sexual violence during each trimester of pregnancy and the postpartum period. It also sought to identify associated risk factors within the Nepalese social context.

This article delves into the findings of this important study, highlighting the key statistics, risk factors, and potential interventions that can help address and prevent domestic violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period. By understanding the unique challenges faced by women in Nepal and similar settings, we can work towards creating safer and more supportive environments for mothers and their children worldwide.

Unveiling the Numbers: How Common is Domestic Violence During and After Pregnancy?

A pregnant woman stands in protective light, with shadows lurking behind, symbolizing the hidden threat of domestic violence during pregnancy.

The Nepalese study revealed that overall, 26.2% of women experienced domestic violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The rates varied across different stages:

First Trimester: 17.6%
Second Trimester: 34.6%
Third Trimester: 32.7%
Postpartum Period: 20.0%

The study highlights a disturbing trend: domestic violence appears to be more prevalent during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy compared to the first trimester and postpartum period.

These numbers underscore the urgency of addressing domestic violence as a critical component of maternal healthcare. The fact that a significant proportion of women experience violence during this sensitive time calls for proactive measures to identify and support those at risk.

Taking Action: What Can Be Done to Protect Mothers and Children?

The study's findings emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach to address domestic violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This includes implementing routine violence screening during prenatal and postnatal care visits, providing non-judgmental support services to affected women, and launching community-based awareness programs to challenge social norms that condone violence. By working together, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members can create a safer and more supportive environment for mothers and their children, ensuring a healthier future for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/appy.12342, Alternate LINK

Title: Patterns Of Domestic Violence Against Women During Pregnancy And The Postpartum Period In Kathmandu, Nepal

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Asia-Pacific Psychiatry

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Narayan Bhatta, Sawitri Assanangkornchai

Published: 2018-11-25

Everything You Need To Know

What were the key findings regarding the prevalence of domestic violence among women in the Kathmandu, Nepal study?

The study conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal, revealed that a significant 26.2% of women experienced domestic violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The rates varied across the trimesters, with 17.6% in the First Trimester, 34.6% in the Second Trimester, and 32.7% in the Third Trimester. The postpartum period saw a rate of 20.0%. This highlights that domestic violence is a significant issue, especially during the second and third trimesters.

What are the different types of domestic violence considered in the Nepalese study, and why are they important?

The study examined physical, psychological, and sexual violence. These different forms of violence were assessed across the trimesters of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Recognizing all these forms is crucial because they can all lead to physical injuries and severe psychological trauma. They have an impact on the health and well-being of the mother, the fetus, and the child, underscoring the importance of comprehensive support and interventions.

What measures are suggested to address domestic violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period based on the study's insights?

The study emphasizes a multi-pronged approach. This includes routine violence screening during prenatal and postnatal care visits to identify women at risk. It also suggests providing non-judgmental support services to affected women. Finally, it recommends launching community-based awareness programs to change societal norms that accept violence. The goal is to create safer environments for mothers and children.

How does the prevalence of domestic violence vary across different stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period according to the research from Kathmandu, Nepal?

The study showed that domestic violence rates varied across different stages. The Second Trimester had the highest rate at 34.6%, followed by the Third Trimester at 32.7%. The First Trimester had a rate of 17.6%, and the Postpartum Period had a rate of 20.0%. This pattern is essential because it suggests that the risk of domestic violence may increase as pregnancy progresses and can remain a concern even after childbirth.

Why is understanding domestic violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period considered a global public health issue, according to the context provided?

Domestic violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a significant global public health issue because it affects not only the mother's health but also the well-being of the fetus and child. This violence can lead to devastating consequences, including physical injuries and long-term psychological trauma. Addressing this issue is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes worldwide, as highlighted by the research conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal.