Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a continuum of abuse experienced between romantic partners, including homicide, physical and sexual assault as well as psychological abuse (e.g., threats, harassment, coercion and intimidation). It is prevalent in England and Wales, where 4.4% (estimated 2.1 million) of those aged 16 years and over have experienced IPV in 2023. Within London, some of the highest rates of IPV offenses were reported in East London, including Newham, Tower Hamlets, Barking and Dagenham. Pregnancy and the postpartum periods are a time of increased risk of experiencing IPV, especially for those with serious mental health illnesses (SMI) (i.e. depression, psychosis). This is particularly worrisome given that IPV is strongly associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes. IPV not only negatively impacts women, but also extend to their unborn/newborn child. Understanding the experiences of survivors of IPV with SMI during pregnancy and the postpartum period is thus pivotal in ensuring adequate support and healthcare is provided. This will support the health and well-being of women and their children. This proposed PhD will explore pregnancy and postpartum experiences amongst survivors of IPV with SMI, including pathways to, and experiences of, mental health care and recovery. This PhD will also investigate the experiences of health care practitioners in identifying and supporting survivors of IPV attending perinatal mental health clinics. These results will be used to co-design recommendations and best practice for future use in clinics. Together the findings from this work will provide important insights into whether experiences of IPV have a differential impact on the pathways and experiences of care and recovery amongst women attending perinatal mental health clinics. Crucially, the results will positively impact the delivery of mental health care to this group. This PhD will be completed in partnership between Queen Mary, University of London, East London NHS Foundation Trust NHS Trust, and Survivors Voices (charity supporting survivors of IPV).
How to apply:
- Details on how to apply can be found here: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/experiences-of-postpartum-survivors-of-intimate-partner-violence-with-serious-mental-health-illness/?p181800
- Applicants should also complete the online LISS-DTP Diversity Monitoring Form
- The closing date for applications is 14 February 2025
- Interviews will be held on w/c 3 March 2025
- This project is offered as full-time only
- For any queries contact sania.shakoor@qmul.ac.uk