This qualitative research took an intersectional feminist approach. The authors conducted in-depth individual interviews in England with fourteen women who self-identified as survivors of rape or sexual assault, and who had experienced pregnancy and birth after the assault. Findings suggest that survivors of sexual violence have specific maternity care needs. For our participants, these needs were often not met, leading to negative or traumatic experiences of pregnancy and birth. Systemic biases and poor birth experience jeopardise both psychological and physical safety. Funding for maternity and mental health services must be improved, so that they meet minimum staffing and care standards. Maternity services should urgently introduce trauma-informed models of care.
References
Montgomery E, Pope C, Rogers J. The re-enactment of childhood Sexual Abuse in maternity care: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2015, 15(1).
Roberts C, Montgomery E, Richens Y, Silverio SA. (re)activation of survival strategies during pregnancy and Childbirth following experiences of childhood Sexual Abuse. J Reproductive Infant Psychol 2021:1–13.
Sobel L, O’Rourke-Suchoff D, Holland E, Remis K, Resnick K, Perkins R, Bell S. Pregnancy and Childbirth after sexual trauma: patient perspectives and care preferences. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132(6):1461–8.
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