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increased intensity at the end of the first cycle but eventually were minimal. This is also reflected by the fact that 12/13 patients who completed the study have continued to take Yasmin subsequently. We were therefore unable to assess the changes in the metabolic profile and return of symptoms after completion of the trial. ConclusionsYasmin provides good cycle control and relief of acne without having a beneficial effect on hirsutism after 6 months' therapy. BMI and mean blood pressure were unchanged, although percentage body fat and fasting insulin concentrations increased. We are currently performing a prospective, randomised controlled trial of Yasmin vs Dianette and further randomised studies are required to compare the efficacy of Yasmin with other preparations for the treatment of PCOS. AcknowledgementsThe authors are grateful to the Department of Biochemistry, Leeds General Infirmary for assistance with the laboratory investigations and the staff of the Assisted Conception Unit, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK. Statements on funding and competing interests Key message pointsG The impact of intimate partner abuse results in many women accessing the health service.G The decision to terminate a pregnancy may be due to pressure from the woman's partner.G Health professionals should be aware that a woman's attendance for a termination of pregnancy may not be her choice. ContextIntimate partner abuse is a continuum of controlling and abusive behaviour that may become worse over time. It can be defined as 'any violence between current or former partners in an intimate relationship, wherever and whenever the violence occurs. The violence can include physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse'. 1 A social taboo, intimate partner abuse has only recently been recognised as having a detrimental effect on the mental and physical health of an individual. In addition to the physical injury, many abused women also experience psychological problems including low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, passivity and learned helplessness. 2 Furthermore, women in such abusive relationships are at risk of sexual violence including forced anal, oral and vaginal intercourse and, in extreme cases, enforced prostitution. 3 The deleterious effects of abuse make it a significant contributing factor to women accessing the health care system.Within the UK we have a diversity of cultures. Rape within marriage remains a tolerated phenomenon in many cultures. Indeed, it only became a criminal offence in England and Wales in 1992. In spite of this legal condemnation, it remains a crime that is difficult to detect or prove. Furthermore, a woman may not conceptualise her experience as rape even though the event itself may meet the legal requirements for such a classification. Rape, particularly marital rape, continues to be under-reported and unlikely to result in prosecution, thus being functionally condoned.Many women in abusive relationships fear an unwanted pregnancy and therefore choose contraception with maximum efficacy. It ...