Perinatal violence and child abuse: Intervention and prevention

There are programs for pregnancy and programs for violence and perversion but they are generally not connected. There is almost no literature on incestuous pregnancies, pregnant developmentally disabled females, and pregnancy in foster children. There is limited literature on preteen pregnancies. Programs for partner violence may limit their involvement with pregnancy (e.g. fail to address alcohol abuse in pregnant battered women). There is some work with pregnancy in prison but less in jails that may have a 6% pregnancy rate. Articles on teen mothers may address ages 15-19 excluding younger mothers. Maternal HIV may be kept confidential denying necessary information for a child in foster care. Prenatal substance abuse may be ignored. States may define age disparity for sexual intercourse as reportable child abuse but public health records are kept separate from such action. But, some programs are developing. There are a growing number of programs for pregnant addicts and programs for Safe Surrender of newborn. There are some programs for prostitutes including child prostitutes that may be able to assist with pregnancy and pregnancy prevention. There is some study of pregnancy and homicide and a growing number of multiagency teams addressing fatal domestic violence. Public health nurses in particular are exposed to real life issues including violence and perversion. Program models will be presented including a tracking system for newborn reported to child protective services and a working forum for interested individuals in the new MCH supported APHA Family Violence Prevention Forum.