Review article
https://doi.org/10.31299/ksi.33.2.4
Experience of obstetric violence and women's mental health
Mateja Kerovec Crnčec
; Tarionica, owner: Mateja Kerovec Crnčec
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Obstetric violence is increasingly recognised as a significant public health, social, and criminological issue, as it affects women during pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood - periods when they are particularly vulnerable. This form of violence includes emotional and physical abuse, neglect by healthcare professionals, and medical procedures carried out without informed consent or shared decision-making. The aim of this paper is to analyse the phenomenon through a narrative review of national and international literature, with a focus on the situation in Croatia. The paper explores terminological ambiguities, types of violence, prevalence, as well as psychological consequences for women, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The conclusion highlights the need for clearly defined protocols, training for healthcare professionals, the development of standardised monitoring tools, cross-sectoral cooperation, and public campaigns aimed at raising awareness and destigmatising women's experiences in order to restore trust in the healthcare system.
Keywords
obstetric violence; gynaecological violence; mental health; human rights
Hrčak ID:
341796
URI
Publication date:
19.12.2025.
Visits: 900 *