Violence In Pregnancy Research Articles

The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnant women

To determine the prevalence of domestic violence in a population of pregnant women. Questionnaire survey. Antenatal booking clinic in a north of England hospital. Five hundred consecutive women were included. Anonymous confidential questionnaire to women who were not accompanied by their partners. Disclosure of a past history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse. 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. 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.

The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnant women

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.

Prevalence and complications of physical violence during pregnancy

Objectives: To assess the incidence of self-reported physical violence in pregnancy and describe the association with foeto-maternal complications and birth outcome. Method: Seven thousand one hundred and five pregnant women over a 3 year period were assessed for self-reported physical violence. Maternal ante-natal hospitalization, low birth weight and pre-term delivery. Odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to measure association between physical violence, maternal morbidity and birth outcome. Results: The prevalence of physical violence was 21%. Women who reported/experienced physical violence, were more likely to be hospitalized ante-natally for maternal complications such as trauma due to blows/kicks on the pregnant abdomen, abruptio-placenta, pre-term labor and kidney infections. There was a positive association between physical violence during pregnancy and cesarean section, abruptio-placenta, fetal distress, and pre-maturity. Conclusion: Physical violence during pregnancy is common and is associated with adverse materno-fetal outcome.

Domestic violence in pregnancy

Definitions of domestic violence vary according to the frequency, severity and nature of the violence as well as the context in which it occurred and the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. Though there is a lack of uniformity, a generally accepted definition of domestic violence is the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of an adult woman by a man with whom she has or has had an intimate relationship, regardless of whether the couple are living together. Although violence can be carried out by other family members or occur in same-sex relationships, it is argued that men use violence in order to maintain dominance and control over their female partners. Physical violence is just one of the many tactics that an abuser may use to exert control over his partner. Other behaviours include isolation, intimidation, threats of violence, threats to take the children away or hurt them and emotional or economic abuse. Whilst some studies have identified demographic patterns associated with domestic violence, it can affect any woman regardless of age, race, ethnicity, social class, employment status, religion, marital status or disability.

The silent enemy: domestic violence in pregnancy

This article discusses the concept of domestic violence in pregnancy and describes the main findings of a pilot study which explored midwives' knowledge and experience of domestic violence in pregnancy. The findings of the study highlights the fact that midwives did not not feel adequately prepared to deal with victims of domestic violence. Midwives did not routinely screen for domestic violence and admitted to being reluctant to do so. Respondents were aware of a gap in their knowledge and practice and agreed that they needed more education and support on the topic.

Domestic violence in pregnancy

To determine the extent of physical and psychological abuse of pregnant women in an Australian population. All women attending the public prenatal clinic of the Royal Women's Hospital (Brisbane) between 23 November and 18 December 1992 were interviewed and asked to complete a self-report questionnaire on their history of abuse. Of 1014 women eligible to enter the study, 301 (29.7%) reported a history of abuse. Fifty-nine (5.8%) had been abused during the pregnancy. The proportion of women admitting to abuse rose over the duration of pregnancy to 8.9% at 36 weeks. Medical treatment was sought for injuries related to domestic violence by 31% of those who reported abuse during the pregnancy. Marital status and education were both significantly associated with the prevalence of abuse. Domestic violence towards women may continue or be initiated during pregnancy. Because most women will not reveal details about their experience of violence in the home unless asked, a relationship history should be included at the first visit along with medical, obstetric and other histories.

Coping with domestic violence in pregnancy.

This article defines the term domestic violence, outlines its prevalence, and indicates a link between domestic violence and pregnancy outcomes. A need for the identification and development of intervention strategies by UK midwives is proposed and some consideration and concerns regarding their implementation are expressed.

Violence in pregnancy

Statistics available in the UK and in North America indicate that violence towards women by their partner is widespread but under-reported. Research shows that violence is likely to begin or escalate during pregnancy. It is suggested that violence to pregnant women may be more common than gestational diabetes or placenta praevia, and that it may be responsible for miscarriage, preterm labour and fetal injuries. This paper examines attitudes prevalent in society towards abused women, considers the psychological consequences of their abuse and the inherent difficulties women face when they try to leave a relationship with a violent partner. It also describes how midwives may recognise women who have been abused by their partner and suggests the development of strategies to help such women.