Shaheen, Kuster Introduce Legislation to Study the Harmful Effects of Intimate Partner Violence on Maternal Health

Press Release from Senator Jeanne Shaheen and  Representative Annie Kuster
​August 3, 2021

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02) introduced legislation with Congresswomen Gwen Moore (WI-04), Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Alma Adams, PhD (NC-12) to study the harmful effects of intimate partner violence on maternal health. The Protect Moms from Domestic Violence Act would research domestic and sexual violence as a social determinant of health. The bill would also award grants to programs that improve maternal and child health outcomes of survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

​“We are grateful to Senator Shaheen and Congresswoman Kuster for introducing this critical legislation that recognizes the significant toll that domestic and sexual violence can have on victims throughout their lifetime, especially when it comes to their physical and mental health,” said Lyn Schollett, Executive Director, NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. “We have long known that intimate partner violence leads to a host of short- and long-term health consequences for victims, and it’s critical that we invest in resources and services that can more effectively respond to the needs of survivors, especially those who are pregnant and at an increased risk of maternal morbidity. This is a meaningful first step towards strengthening our social and medical systems to acknowledge the additional barriers that pregnant survivors face, and recognizing intimate partner violence as the serious public health issue that it is."

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