Domestic abuse in a central Mediterranean pregnant population

The Mediterranean region is generally characterized by a patriarchal societ y that generally predisposes towards a higher prevalence of spouse abuse. T he prevalence of domestic spouse abuse in a central Mediterranean closed is land community was assessed to approximate 11.7% of the pregnant population . The abuse varied from psychological to physical abuse. There was a strong history of experience of domestic violence/abuse during childhood in both the victim and perpetrator suggesting that a "circle of abuse" may play a r ole in some cases. The socio-biological characteristics of the victim did n ot appear to statistically predispose towards a higher risk for domestic ab use, though single mothers were statistically more likely to report a histo ry of domestic abuse. Abused women were more likely to smoke cigarettes dur ing pregnancy than their counterparts. The perpetrator was statistically mo re likely to be unemployed, and smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. There w ere no statistical correlation between a history of spouse abuse and educat ional level attained by both the victim and perpetrator. A history of domes tic abuse appears to have an adverse effect on the pregnancy with a higher risk of premature birth and its attendant complications; although it is dif ficult to ascertain how much the reported poor obstetric outcome is a direc t effect of violence itself or to other associated adverse social or biolog ical co-factors. About a third of the women interviewed were unaware of the domestic violence services being offered in their community emphasizing th e need of an information drive. The antenatal period, with the distribution of leaflets and antenatal classes, is an opportune time to promote the sup port services available in the community. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.