Domestic violence and substance use

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the incidence of domestic violence in substance-using women and non–substance-using women in a diverse obstetrics and gynecology clinic. Methods: We analyzed abuse assessment screens obtained from 107 women during a 2- week period from January 21, 1998, through February 4, 1998. The incidence of abuse was compared with the incidence in 14 women in a substance abuse clinic during the same period. Prenatal care nurses and physicians assessed the study participants using a structured interview. Results: In the non–substance-use group, 7% of the obstetric patients and 5% of the gynecologic women were abused during the preceding year. Also, 1% of the obstetric patients were abused while pregnant, and 3% were forced to have sex within the past year. In the substance-use group, none of the gynecologic patients reported abuse, whereas 15% of the obstetric patients were abused during the past year, 7% were abused while pregnant, and 15% were forced to have sex within the past year. Conclusion: Women who are substance users are more likely to be victims of domestic violence than non–substance users. Pregnant women are at increased risk for forced sex. The most common perpetrators of domestic violence are boyfriends or ex-boyfriends. These findings are similar to those of other studies with different demographics. The results underline the importance of identifying women who are substance users and their risks for domestic violence at every encounter and of providing them with appropriate interventions.