Prevalence of intimate partner violence at an out-patient clinic obstetrics–gynecology in the Netherlands

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a highly prevalent problem among women. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of IPV among patients of an out-patient clinic obstetrics–gynecology, association with level of education, and women's opinion on asking about IPV by physicians.

We conducted a survey among women between 18 and 60 years in a waiting room of an out-patient clinic obstetrics–gynecology. We used the Composite Abuse Scale to measure type and severity of IPV.

Two hundred women of whom 82 (41%) were pregnant, were included in the study (response 57%). Twenty-three percent of the women ever experienced IPV and 9% currently. IPV is more prevalent among women with a lower educated partner. Four of the pregnant women (5%) experienced current IPV. Seventy-eight percent of the respondents find it important for physicians to ask about IPV.

IPV proved to be a highly prevalent problem in an out-patient clinic obstetrics–gynecology with almost one-quarter of the patients ever having been victim of various forms of IPV, and almost one in 10 currently. Awareness of the possibility of IPV and early recognition by physicians might reduce mental and physical sequels and strengthen women's feeling of being supported.

Keywords:

• Women
• intimate partner violence
• prevalence
• out-patient clinic
• obstetrics–gynecology

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Hans Bor, statistician of the Department of Primary Care of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, for statistical advice and support.