The prevalence rates of domestic abuse in women attending a family planning clinic

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.