Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness and an issue of perinatal health. Its prevalence is continuously rising. Several studies have been conducted to explore risk factors for postnatal depression. Indeed, different predictors have been identified, among which domestic violence.

To determine the prevalence of domestic violence in patients suffering from postnatal depression and to explore possible links associating the tow phenomenon.

Twenty five women suffering from postpartum depression (DSM-IV), admitted to the psychiatry department ’C” between 2012 and 2014, have participated in a retrospective, descriptive and analytic study. Patients have been interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire and with the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST).

The average age in our population was 24.3 years. Twelve women (48%) had an instructional level of primary school. Fifteen (60%) were multiparous with an average of 3.2 living child. Eleven of our patients (44%) reported abuse, especially emotional. Three of these patients committed suicide. Partners of abused women were unemployed in 9 of the cases (81%) and consumer of drugs in 8 of the cases (72%).

Domestic violence nourishes a panel of psychological and physical issues. Mental health professionals should be able to, early, identify victims of abuse in order to prevent such complications.