Domestic Violence in Pregnancy-Related Death: A Novel Use of Coroner and Criminal Data in Clark County, Nevada [9N

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Existing studies in the literature analyze self-reported domestic violence in pregnant women which may be underestimated in this vulnerable population. Our study explores novel use of autopsy in combination with criminal data to understand domestic violence trends in unnatural deaths in pregnant women. METHODS: Retrospective review of women referred to the Clark County medical examiner from 2000-2015 was conducted. Pregnancy was confirmed by autopsy diagnosis, and criminal records were obtained from the Clark County District Attorney's Office. Statistical analysis was performed using student t-test for continuous variables and chi-square for categorical variables. RESULTS: 7215 women in total were referred to the Clark County medical examiner. 67 women were found to be pregnant at the time of autopsy. 55% of the women that were pregnant at the time of death were victims of pregnancy-related unnatural death (PRUD). 27% of women who were victims of PRUD filed charges of domestic violence against their partners versus 3% who were victims of natural death (p=0.02). Also, 71% (n=5) of women >30 years were victims of PRUD filed charges of domestic violence compared with 13% of women <30 years (n=3) (p=0.04). The most common manner of death among the PRUD group was suicide in 35% (n=13) and 32% (n=12) had a criminal record. CONCLUSION: Domestic violence is significantly more prevalent in PRUD than in those who die of natural death. Further, older victims of PRUD were significantly more likely to file charges for domestic violence. The causes underlying these trends are unclear and deserve further attention and study.