Trajectories of Intimate Partner Violence among South African Women during the Period of Reproduction

Ali K. Groves, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Suzanne Maman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Luz McNaughton Reyes, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Vangie Foshee, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Sandra Martin, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dhayendre Moodley, University of KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa has high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. However, we know very little about IPV specifically during pregnancy and the postpartum period (hereafter referred to as the period of reproduction) despite significant negative consequences for the mother and child. Research in other settings suggests different sub-populations of women experience different patterns, or trajectories, of IPV during the period of reproduction. For some, the period of reproduction is a time of respite; for others, it is a time of risk. Theoretical literature suggests relationship characteristics may affect women’s trajectories of IPV; however, this has not been tested empirically. Therefore, in this analysis, we use multilevel modeling to describe South African women’s trajectories of IPV and the relationship factors associated with these trajectories during the period of reproduction. A better understanding of whether and how IPV changes for South African women will inform future clinic-based IPV prevention interventions.