Decrease in Domestic Violence During Pregnancy: A Study From Turkey

Abstract

Our aim is to evaluate the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) among pregnant women and find out whether several factors were associated with DV or not. A total of 317 pregnant women applied at Sanliurfa Obstetrics Hospital and Harran University obstetrics and gynecology department outpatient clinic were interviewed using the modified form of Abuse Assessment Screen questionnaire. Several clinical and sociodemographic data were also obtained from the participants. Mean pregnancy number per woman (gravida) was 3.62 +/- 0.13. 47.3% of women had experienced DV before pregnancy. However, the rate of DV exposure significantly decreased to 10.3% during pregnancy (p < .001). Participants with positive family history of DV (mother's exposure) had significantly higher DV rates (p < .001). Those who were exposed to DV, visited their parents less (p = .002). The mean body mass index of DV exposed women was significantly lower (p = .011) than non-DV exposed women. DV exposed women had fewer social interactions and their weight gain may affected by violence. Pregnancy appears to decrease DV in Sanliurfa.