Domestic Violence during pregnancy is a focussed attack that puts not just one, but two lives at risk. Violence is cited as a pregnancy complication more often than diabetes, hypertension. A population based study in one of the states of India revealed, domestic violence being the second largest cause of pregnancy mortality. Furthermore, in a cross sectional study in rural and urban areas of Nagpur in India revealed, 31 percent of the women reported physical abuse and 50 percent of these experienced violence during pregnancy.
Identification of violence during prenatal care is one of the first steps towards reduction in maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies have demonstrated that use of structured screen improves detection of battering both before and during pregnancy, enabling clinicians to have a greater opportunity to intervene. In the United States screening for abuse during pregnancy is a routine procedure. However, in India health care professionals do not routinely use screening tools.
This study is being undertaken at the Nagpur Medical College Hospital, Maharashtra, India. It aims to test the use of abuse assessment screen tool routinely administered by health care professionals. It is also envisaged to lay emphasis to see whether women who are identified as abused during pregnancy seek further support and care from organizations that are providing services to domestic violence cases. The reason being unless women seek care as well as measures to reduce the pain due to violence the ultimate goal is not achieved.
Learning Objectives: a. The magnitude and problem of domestic violence during pregnancy in India. b. The feasibility of introducing a screening tool for detecting domestic violence cases in a developing country by nurses in hospitals. c. Advantage of referring domestic violence cases for care and support to local non-governmental organisations providing such services.
Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.