Prevalence of intimate partner violence among an abortion clinic population.
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.
Saftlas
Audrey F
AF
Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, USA. audrey-saftlas@uiowa.edu
Wallis
Anne B
AB
Shochet
Tara
T
Harland
Karisa K
KK
Dickey
Penny
P
Peek-Asa
Corinne
C
D000029:Abortion, Legal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D018401:Sample Size; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012747:Sexual Partners; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors