Coercive control is a pervasive and often hidden form of abuse that significantly affects autonomy, safety, and wellbeing. While awareness is growing, its intersection with the perinatal period (from conception to two years postpartum) remains underexplored. Pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood are times of increased vulnerability, yet there is limited understanding of how coercive control is experienced during this time or how it is recognised and responded to by healthcare professionals, particularly midwives. This study explores the lived experiences of women subjected to coercive control in the perinatal period and examines midwives’ views on identifying and supporting affected women. The research aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of coercive control across the perinatal timeline and to inform trauma-informed practice by synthesising both perspectives. A qualitative design was adopted, underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm and guided by trauma-informed principles. The research comprised two interconnected phases. Phase one explored women’s lived experiences using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Phase two examined midwives’ views and experiences using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Bringing the two datasets together enabled comparison across women’s and midwives’ accounts, informing the overall discussion. A key overarching finding was that coercive control is difficult to conceptualise and recognise - both for women experiencing it and for midwives attempting to identify it. This complexity contributed to silencing, under-recognition, and systemic gaps in support. Women’s narratives highlighted how coercive control shaped their perinatal experiences, including reproductive coercion, isolation, loss of autonomy, and psychological impacts such as fear and self-doubt. Several described how pregnancy, birth, and motherhood were used by perpetrators as sites of control, and how fear of social services influenced decisions to stay silent. Many also experienced post-separation abuse that was not recognised by support systems. Midwives reported uncertainty in how to enquire about or identify coercive control, with limited formal training and organisational support. While many relied on a combination of instinct and recognising ‘red flags’, they described systemic and emotional barriers that limited their ability to respond. This is the first in-depth qualitative study to explore coercive control in the perinatal period from both women’s and midwives’ perspectives. By applying a trauma-informed lens and integrating findings across both groups, the study offers original insights and practical recommendations for training, policy, and practice to improve recognition and support for women affected by coercive control in the perinatal period.
| Date of Award | 30 Apr 2026 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
| Supervisor | Zoe Darwin (Main Supervisor) & Jayne Samples (Co-Supervisor) |
|---|