Exploring Emotional Violence in Intimate Relationships during Pregnancy in Central Tanzania: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: During pregnancy and the puerperal period, women become more sensitive both physically and emotionally, making them particularly vulnerable to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Despite this heightened vulnerability, emotional violence in intimate relationships during pregnancy remains under-researched. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the experiences of emotional violence among pregnant women in central Tanzania.
Method: This study employed a qualitative descriptive study design, utilizing purposive sampling to recruit twenty-nine (29) participants for both in-depth interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The respondents were post-delivery mothers with infants aged 42 days to six months. Data analysis was conducted using an inductive thematic approach.
Results: The women who participated in the study were, on average, 27.76 years old, with ages ranging from 19 to 43 years. Most of the women had attained only a primary level of education and resided in rural areas. Thematic analysis of their experiences revealed five key themes related to emotional violence during pregnancy: frequent conflict and arguments, verbal abuse and insults, emotional trauma resulting from persistent mistreatment, neglect and abandonment by partners, and coercive control marked by degrading and manipulative behavior.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of emotional intimate partner violence and its profound impact on pregnant women’s mental health. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies that include raising awareness, enhancing support systems, and implementing targeted interventions to protect and empower women during this vulnerable period. Keywords: Emotional Violence, Intimate Partner, Experiences, Pregnancy, Tanzania.