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


METHODS
Data collection using anonymous questionnaire.


METHODS
A family planning clinic.


METHODS
Two hundred and ninety-two women.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The anonymity of the research and the method of implementation encouraged an excellent response rate.


CONCLUSIONS
During a woman's childbearing years, one-third of women may experience domestic abuse from their partner.
Keeling
June
J
Duchess of Westminster Wing, Arrowe Park Hospital, Upton, UK. june.keeling@whnt.nhs.uk
Birch
Linda
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011295:Prenatal Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health; D014931:Women, Working / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data