The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnant women

Abstract

Objective To determine the prevalence of domestic violence in a population of pregnant women.Design Questionnaire survey.Setting Antenatal booking clinic in a north of England hospital.Population Five hundred consecutive women were included.Methods Anonymous confidential questionnaire to women who were not accompanied by their partners.Main outcome measures Disclosure of a past history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.Results Four hundred and seventy-five questionnaires were returned (95% response rate). The prevalence of domestic violence was 17%. Domestic violence was highest in the age group 26-30 years and boyfriends were the main perpetrators. Punching and slapping were the most common pattern of violence, and 10% of women experiencing domestic violence had had forced sexual activity. Conclusion The prevalence of domestic violence in a cohort of pregnant women in the north of England was 17%. Consideration should be given for routine screening for domestic violence in pregnancy to institute effective intervention strategies.

Depression, abuse and its relationship to interstitial cystitis

“…Studies have shown that a history of childhood sexual abuse ranges from 15% to 25% [18][19][20]. Multiple studies have examined the prevalence of physical abuse among women with ranges from 5% to 28% [21][22][23][24][25]. When comparing the above prevalence rates with those found among the IC sample, both depression and a history of sexual abuse were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05) (Fig.…”

“…Scores range from 0 to 63 with higher scores representing more severe symptoms. Scores can be further stratified into categories of depression: mild depression (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19), moderate depression (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28), and severe depression . A score of less than 14 is considered normal.…”

Domestic violence on pregnant women in Turkey

“…17 Using a modified version of Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS), one study from England showed the prevalence of violence against pregnant women to be 17%. 13 Other studies using Abuse Assessment Screen have indicated that 39.5% of pregnant women suffer from abuse. 8 The results of a study performed in a first step health clinic in Turkey showed that 24.9% of 101 pregnant women suffered from domestic violence.…”

“…4,7,12,13,18 At the top of the questionnaire form, information about domestic violence during pregnancy was given. The questionnaire itself consisted of two parts.…”

“…[8][9][10] Studies indicate that domestic violence against pregnant women varies between 4-40%. [11][12][13][14] The effects of domestic violence represent complications that may place the health of the fetus at risk. It was reported that domestic violence has been associated with risk of miscarriages, premature birth, low birth weight, defect of antenatal care, early separation of placenta, rupture of membranes, fetal injury.…”