Italy

Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy – A Multidisciplinary Approach

Organization
Fondazione G.B. Guzzetti, Milan, Italy

Project summary
Fondazione G.B. Guzzetti, in collaboration with the SVSeD (Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence) of Policlinico Hospital—the first Italian Family Justice Center—has launched an innovative project focused on identifying and addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy. The initiative aims to build a strong bridge between family counseling services and the hospital's FJC through three key actions:

• Training Health Professionals: A multidisciplinary training program for midwives and gynecologists to detect and respond to IPV in pregnancy. The training covers risk assessment, health consequences, and coordinated responses involving legal and psychosocial services.
• Pilot Screening Study: A pilot screening will be conducted with pregnant women in counseling services and the maternity unit of Policlinico Hospital. The study will assess IPV prevalence, timing, and effective screening periods during pregnancy, and will offer integrated support for affected women.
• Knowledge Exchange: Findings will be shared with other local Family Counseling Centers to explore the replication of the model in similar settings.

This initiative represents a significant step towards early detection, comprehensive care, and the prevention of violence against women and children during a critical life stage.