An exploration of intimate partner violence during pregnancy: an interpretative phenomenological study.

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the most common form of violence against women worldwide, and alarmingly, South Africa is reported to have one of the highest rates and prevalence. This study was conducted to establish the participant’s perceptions of IPV and their descriptive presentation of their experiences of IPV during pregnancy. The study further explored the social, cultural and gendered power relations underpinnings of IPV. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed for this study as a method of enquiry that aims at describing and clarifying human experience as it appears in people’s lives. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed in this study as its theoretical framework. Data was gathered in the form of spoken language utilising semi-structured face- to-face interviews. A convenient sample of five participants was drawn from survivors of IPV during pregnancy at an organisation that offers support to women who have been abused. Results indicated that IPV in the lives of the five participants was introduced during the first month of pregnancy, the main trigger being the announcement of pregnancy. An increase in IPV ensued and continued after birth with adverse emotional and physical consequences. IPV was found to be common during pregnancy especially to those who are economically dependent on their partners. Cultural influences of the AmaXhosa were also found to have played a dominant role.