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The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnant women
Article first published online: 22 DEC 2003
DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-0528.2003.02216.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 110, Issue 3, pages 272–275, March 2003
Additional Information
How to Cite
Johnson, J.K., Haider, F., Ellis, K., Hay, D.M. and Lindow, S.W. (2003), The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnant women. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 110: 272–275. doi: 10.1046/j.1471-0528.2003.02216.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 22 DEC 2003
- Article first published online: 22 DEC 2003
- Accepted 28 November 2002
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
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.