Citation

McFarlane JM. Women Health 1989; 15(3): 69-84.

Affiliation

College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston 77030.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2815791

Abstract

This paper discusses the etiology of battering, prevalence of battering during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes of battered women. A community-wide primary prevention program is presented that links health care providers with law enforcement and shelters for battered women to interrupt the cycle of violence and promote the health and safety of pregnant women. Based on the metropolitan study, it was found out that 1 out of 12 women is abused during pregnancy and a fourfold risk of battered women delivering a low-birth-weight infant. About 87% and 29% of battered women were abused prior to and after pregnancy, respectively. To address this situation, a community-wide primary prevention program was initiated to link health care providers with law enforcement agencies and provide shelters for battered women. The program was implemented for the two groups: all health care providers working with pregnant women and the general population of Houston. After the Prevention of Battering During Pregnancy program was introduced to the health care provider, a series of public service announcements were aired on television. The announcements included a message from the Chief of Police regarding the seriousness of battering, and the referral numbers. Although the program has succeeded in its goal of increasing public awareness and keeping medical personnel involved in the care of battered women, there is a need for health care providers to respect the decision of victims and maintain in providing support for them.

Language: en