Objective : the purpose was to estimate the prevalence of marital viol
ence during the year after childbirth in France, Methods : a survey ha
s been carried out in three maternity units among primipara and second
ipara women in 1993-1994. The women were interviewed in the three days
after the delivery and they received a postal questionnaire 5 and 12
months later The analysis includes 706 women, Results : the prevalence
of marital violence during the 12 months after childbirth is equal to
4,1 % (2,6 % - 5,6 %). This percentage is higher among women living a
n unstable relationship with their partner or when the partner has not
a job, These women who reported marital violence had a higher prevale
nce of previous miscarriage, They used more often psychotropic drugs a
nd reported more often depressive symptoms than the other women, Concl
usion : physicians may be helpful by listening and counseling these wo
men who receive low emotional and social support.