News release

From: JAMA

Violence against women linked to child deaths, global study finds

Children whose mothers experience violence from a partner have a higher chance of dying before their fifth birthday, according to a major international study led by Curtin University.

The research found intimate partner violence was linked to a greater risk of babies and young children dying, highlighting how preventing violence against women could also help save children's lives.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the systematic review combined data from more than 684,000 women and children across 28 studies from around the world, making it one of the largest reviews of its kind.

Researchers found compared with other women, those who experienced intimate partner violence had a:

• 10 per cent higher chance of losing a child before the age of five;
• 32 per cent greater chance of a baby dying before their first birthday; and
• 36 per cent higher chance of losing a newborn during the first month of life.

Lead author and Curtin PhD candidate Bereket Kefale said the research showed intimate partner violence affected not only women, but also the health and survival of their children.

"Violence against women doesn't just harm women, it can also have devastating consequences for babies and young children," Ms Kefale said.

"Our findings show preventing intimate partner violence could help save children's lives as well as improve the health and wellbeing of women."

The study also found physical, sexual and emotional violence were all linked to a higher chance of newborn deaths, while physical violence was linked to a higher chance of babies dying before their first birthday.

Ms Kefale said there were several reasons why violence could affect a child's chances of survival.

"Women experiencing violence may be more likely to face injury, mental health challenges, difficulties accessing healthcare, and complications during pregnancy and birth, all of which may affect a baby’s health and survival,” Ms Kefale said.

“In some circumstances, intimate partner violence may also affect the care and support children receive by limiting access to essential services and resources and disrupting a safe and supportive home environment.

"By preventing violence and helping women access support early, we have an opportunity to improve outcomes for both mothers and their children."

Senior author Associate Professor Gizachew Tessema, also from Curtin's School of Population Health, said preventing violence against women should be recognised as an important part of improving child health.

"Efforts to reduce child deaths usually focus on improving healthcare, nutrition and vaccination," Associate Professor Tessema said.

"Our findings show preventing violence against women should also be part of those efforts."

Co-author and Associate Professor Jacqueline Hendriks, also from Curtin’s School of Population Health, said the findings pointed to the need for a coordinated response across multiple sectors.

“This research makes a strong case that preventing intimate partner violence belongs in child health policy, not just family violence policy. Getting this right will take health, education and family violence services working together. The next step is turning this evidence into practice, so prevention and support reach women and children before harm occurs.”

The researchers say better support for women experiencing violence, stronger legal protections and routine screening for intimate partner violence before and during pregnancy, and early motherhood could all help improve outcomes for women and their children.

The team also called for more research in high-income countries, including Australia, to better understand how intimate partner violence affects children's health and survival.

Ruah Community Services Chief Executive Officer Debra Zanella said preventing intimate partner violence could have lasting benefits for the health and wellbeing of entire families.

“Family and domestic violence has significant, far-reaching impacts on the physical and mental health not only of mothers, but their children. By working to prevent intimate partner violence, we not only support the wellbeing of parents, but improve the health outcomes of the next generation.”

The paper, ‘Intimate Partner Violence Against Women and Mortality Among Children Younger Than 5 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’, was published in JAMA Network Open.