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

Authors

Lucas Enrique Espinoza, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Luis Enrique Espinoza
Jennifer L. Talleff
Leticia Nevarez Zavala, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Rosalva Resendiz, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2025

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.

Comments

© 2025 Southwestern Social Science Association.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/TIMSWHHEBDXXFRD5RUT2?target=10.1111/ssqu.13494

Recommended Citation

Espinoza, Lucas Enrique, Luis Enrique Espinoza, Jennifer L. Talleff, Leticia Nevarez Zavala, and Rosalva Resendiz. "Non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic Women's Pregnancy‐Related Physical Intimate Partner Violence and WIC Program Participation." Social Science Quarterly 106, no. 2 (2025): e13494. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssqu.13494

Publication Title

Social Science Quarterly

DOI

10.1111/ssqu.13494