Non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic Women's Pregnancy‐Related Physical Intimate Partner Violence and WIC Program Participation

Lucas Enrique Espinoza, Luis Enrique Espinoza, Jennifer L. Talleff, Leticia Nevarez Zavala and Rosalva Resendiz

Social Science Quarterly, 2025, vol. 106, issue 2

Abstract: Objectives The primary purpose of this study was to examine the impact of pregnancy‐related physical intimate partner violence (IPV) on participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) among non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic women, while highlighting intersections of IPV, racial/ethnic disparities, and access to social services. Methods This study utilized data from the 2012–2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to analyze IPV and WIC participation among 21,774 women self‐identifying as non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, or Hispanic. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to examine the association between pregnancy‐related physical IPV (before, during, or both) and WIC participation rates. Results Findings revealed that only 43.5% of participants used the WIC program, with 2.4% experiencing IPV before pregnancy, 2.1% during pregnancy, and 3.0% experiencing at least one type of IPV. Compared to non‐Hispanic Black women who did not experience IPV, Hispanic women encountering pregnancy‐related physical IPV were less likely to participate in the WIC program. Conclusion This study underscores the intersection of pregnancy‐related physical IPV, racial/ethnic disparities, and barriers to accessing social services such as WIC. It highlights the need for targeted screening and culturally sensitive interventions to connect IPV survivors with necessary resources and support systems, thereby improving public health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Date: 2025
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