Citation

Johnson JK, Haider F, Ellis K, Hay DM, Lindow SW. BJOG 2003; 110(3): 272-275.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hull Maternity Hospital, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12628266

Abstract

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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Language: en