HIDDEN HURT – UNTOLD STORY OF A WOMB. A STUDY ON PREVELANCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN PREGNANCY IN A RURAL MEDICAL COLLEGE, KARNATAKA.

Abstract

Domestic violence is threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between adults who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members. Such abuse may take various forms, including physical violence, sexual violence, emotionally abusive behaviours, economic restrictions, and other controlling behaviours. Domestic violence is a common worldwide phenomenon. We conducted this study with the aims 1. To know the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy. 2. To know the type of domestic violence in pregnancy. 3. To know the perpetrator of domestic violence in pregnancy. This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire based study conducted in the setting of a medical college and hospital predominantly catering the health needs of the rural population. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinic, who were willing to participate were included in the study. Condentiality and modesty of participants were maintained throughout the study. Data was collected from the participants in a private counseling room. Data thus obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. This study had 200 participants, Out of which 12 (6%) participants reported to have experienced violence. 10 (5%) participants experienced physical violence, 9 (4.5%) participants experiences psychological violence, 1 ( 0.5%) experienced sexual violence. 9 (4.5%) of our participants experienced violence from husband and 3 (1.5%) experience violence from mother in law. We concluded that domestic violence in pregnancy is still prevalent in the modern era. Any type of violence in pregnancy should alert clinician and stake holders to take necessary action in prevention of the same. Psychological counselling should be a part of antenatal care.