Physical Intimate Partner Violence Against Pregnant Women in Türkiye: A Population Based Study

• Published in: SAGE open Vol. 14; no. 2
• Main Authors: Ünver, Şeyda, Alkan, Ömer, Oktay, Erkan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.04.2024; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: intimate partner violence; physical abuse; survey data; binary logistic regression; pregnant women; Türkiye
• ISSN: 2158-2440; 2158-2440
• DOI: 10.1177/21582440241251989

This study’s main objective was to determine the factors that led to Turkish women being physically abused by their husbands or partners during pregnancy. The National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Turkey conducted in 2014 was utilized in our study. We analyzed the survey data using the binary logistic regression method. A pregnant woman who graduated from high school was less likely to encounter physical abuse than an illiterate woman. Those who made more money for the family than their husband or partner were more likely to experience physical abuse. Pregnant women with alcoholic husbands/partners were more likely to experience physical abuse. By supporting the prevention of other potential outcomes for maternal and infant health, implementing screening for partner violence and childbirth phobia in obstetrics and gynecology clinics, and offering comprehensive information about pregnancy labour, we can enhance family and social health. Plain Language Summary Physical intimate partner violence against pregnant women Intimate partner violence (IPV) against pregnant women has been the subject of research in the scientific world for a long time and has been investigated in various aspects. Understanding the impact of IPV against a pregnant woman can have significant consequences for reproductive health with early diagnosis. It may also help develop future intervention programs. Pregnancy provides an opportunity to screen for domestic violence since pregnant women make routine visits during this period. Physical IPV during pregnancy can directly or indirectly affect pregnancy when there is a blow to the abdomen, have an impact on mental health and behavioral changes, and cause adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal death, premature birth, abdominal pain, and hospitalization. In this study, the answers to the questions “What is the exposure of women to physical IPV during pregnancy? Is there a relationship between women’s sociodemographic and economic characteristics and their exposure to physical IPV during pregnancy? Is there a relationship between husband’s/partner’s characteristics and women’s exposure to physical IPV during pregnancy?” have been sought. The findings of this study are significant in terms of providing information for the development of policies and programs aimed at preventing violence against women. In the event that the pregnant woman is exposed to violence, it is crucial for society to take action to protect both the mother and the unborn child’s health. In order to prevent the emergence of violence and develop effective solutions toward this goal, the viewpoint of primary care health workers in our country must be thoroughly evaluated. In addition, health personnel should receive the necessary training, support, and encouragement in these matters.