Domestic violence against pregnant women: A prospective study in a metropolitan city, Istanbul

Objective: Violence against women, particularly against pregnant women, is increasingly being recognized as a significant problem around the world. Limited studies were found about domestic violence among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy and the factors affecting it. Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between January 2012 and April 2013. A total of 1349 pregnant women, irrespective of age and socioeconomic status, were interviewed using a questionnaire in the local language. Results: The incidence of domestic violence in this study was 2.37%. The mean age of women who reported violence was 29.06 +/- 5.53 years. Age, marriage duration, gravidity, parity, educational level, partner's educational level, and monthly income exerted no significant influences on women who experienced domestic violence during their pregnancies (p>0.05). Women who resided in the same houses with large extended families were at significantly higher risk of domestic violence during pregnancy in comparison with the pregnant women who lived within a core family (p=0.018). Conclusion: Domestic violence during pregnancy is a potential public health problem. Education, improvements in economic autonomy, and society's attitudes may reduce domestic violence. Health-care providers should increase their awareness of risk factors to protect women from domestic violence.