Citation

Keeling J, Birch L. J. Fam. Plann. Reprod. Health Care 2004; 30(2): 113-114.

Affiliation

Duchess of Westminster Wing, Arrowe Park Hospital, Upton, UK. june.keeling@whnt.nhs.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Publisher BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15086997

Abstract

CONTEXT: Domestic abuse has a detrimental impact on the mental and physical health of a woman. The abusive partner may use physical and sexual violence and 'control' the choice of contraception. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence rates of domestic abuse. DESIGN: Data collection using anonymous questionnaire. SETTING: A family planning clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and ninety-two women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence rate of past and present history of domestic abuse and the nature of the abuse. RESULTS: One in three women experienced domestic abuse at some time in their life. A significant relationship existed between the age of the woman and experiencing abuse within the last year. Women in full-time employment experienced the highest rates of abuse. DISCUSSION: The anonymity of the research and the method of implementation encouraged an excellent response rate. CONCLUSION: During a woman's childbearing years, one-third of women may experience domestic abuse from their partner.

Language: en