PURPOSE:
This presentation examines the practice of routine inquiry about intimate partner violence (IPV) during maternity care in Australia and Sweden. Both countries have established national guidelines that encourage midwives to integrate questions about IPV into standard care for all pregnant individuals. The aim is to highlight the evidence supporting this approach and explore respectful and effective strategies for its implementation.

DISCUSSION:
Routine inquiry during pregnancy is a critical intervention for identifying and supporting individuals experiencing IPV. Midwives, as trusted healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to conduct these screenings effectively. However, successful implementation requires addressing barriers such as limited training, time constraints, and concerns about causing distress. Insights from Australia and Sweden demonstrate how routine inquiry can be seamlessly integrated into maternity care to improve outcomes for pregnant individuals.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Evidence suggests routine IPV screening significantly enhances the identification of IPV and allows for safe and timely intervention. In Australia, national guidelines advocate for the integration of universal screening within maternity care, underscoring its critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of pregnant individuals. Similarly, Sweden's National Board of Health and Welfare supports routine inquiry as an essential practice. Studies highlight that comprehensive training for midwives is key to fostering confidence and competence in addressing IPV sensitively. The evidence further links IPV during pregnancy to heightened risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and detrimental impacts on maternal mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for this practice to be standard in maternity care worldwide.

KEY MESSAGE:
Routine inquiry for IPV in maternity care is a research-supported intervention that enhances early detection and support. Midwives play a crucial role in this process, and with adequate training and institutional support. Poster session 1 (Group A)