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. 2010 Aug;100(8):1412-5.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.178947. Epub 2010 Jun 17.

Prevalence of intimate partner violence among an abortion clinic population

Audrey F Saftlas  1 , Anne B Wallis, Tara Shochet, Karisa K Harland, Penny Dickey, Corinne Peek-Asa
Affiliations

Prevalence of intimate partner violence among an abortion clinic population

Audrey F Saftlas et al. Am J Public Health. 2010 Aug.

Abstract

In this cross-sectional, clinic-based study, we estimated 1-year prevalence of intimate partner violence among 986 patients who had elective abortions. We assessed physical, sexual, and battering intimate partner violence via self-administered, computer-based questionnaires. Overall, physical and sexual intimate partner violence prevalence was 9.9% and 2.5%, respectively; 8.4% of those in a current relationship reported battering. Former partners perpetrated more physical and sexual assaults than did current partners. Violence severity increased with frequency. Abortion patients experience high intimate partner violence rates, indicating the need for targeted screening and community-based referral.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Frequency of physical abuse by an intimate partner in past 12 months and self-reported injury severity among participants seeking induced abortion at a women's health clinic: November 2007–July 2008. Note. Nonparametric test for trend across ordered groups: z = 3.35; P < .001.
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