Citation

Romito P, De Marchi M, Turan JM, Bottaretto RC, Tavi M. J. Community Appl. Soc. Psychol. 2004; 14(4): 250-265.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/casp.781

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Violence against women has serious consequences. Although victims use health facilities more frequently than others, violence is still not recognized in most services and in the larger community. This study had three aims: (1) to estimate the prevalence of violence among women patients in primary care, (2) to evaluate the feasibility of asking all women about violence, and (3) to make violence visible, and thereby initiate a process of professional and community change on the issue of violence against women. The study was carried out in a small Italian town, at the initiative of a local family doctor. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among patients of six family practices and 444 women responded to a self-administrated questionnaire. Five per cent of respondents experienced physical or sexual violence in the last year, and 25% had experienced it in the past. Nineteen per cent had experienced psychological violence in the last 12 months. Risk factors for current violence were: younger age, being pregnant or with young children, being separated or divorced, or lack of stable employment. Most women were in favour of being asked about violence by their doctor.