THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON PREGNANT WOMEN

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Spousal abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV) is described as "activity inside an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviors." (Audi, 2012) Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that the prevalence of physical, sexual, or both types of violence ranged from 15% to 71% in different nations. Physical harm, psychological issues, and pregnancy complications are some of the health repercussions of violence inflicted on pregnant women by their intimate male partners (WHO, 2011). According to Urquia et al. (2011), due to the negative health implications of domestic violence during pregnancy, little attention has been paid to it as a worldwide public health concern. Understanding the impact of a partner's violence towards a pregnant woman might have significant reproductive health ramifications if detected early. It may also aid in the development of future intervention initiatives. Because pregnant women have frequent prenatal appointments, it is possible to screen for domestic violence. Husband-inflicted violence against women, on the other hand, occurs in every civilization, but its frequency and tolerance vary by country.

Domestic violence against women is one of the most widespread violations of human rights in the world, and it falls within the purview of people who are interested in the health and rights of women. Violence against women is a barrier to women's empowerment and prevents them from participating equally in society. However, they frequently go unrecognized, unrecorded, and hence unaddressed. Violence during pregnancy can endanger not just a woman's health but also that of her unborn child. Six percent of women who had ever been pregnant were struck, slapped, kicked, or subjected to any other sort of physical abuse (Bailey, 2012).

Domestic violence during pregnancy is more common in developing countries than in developed countries, according to studies, and the consequences range from money problems and significantly reduced intimacy to high rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality (Devries et al., 2010). Domestic violence during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, bleeding during pregnancy, and higher neonatal deaths than women without a history of violence during pregnancy (Berenson et al., 2010) Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is a serious public health issue that endangers fetal and maternal health; therefore, the effects of intimate partner violence on women's health are receiving increased attention from local and international policymakers, as well as the healthcare community, as a result of increased awareness of the prevalence of violence. In addition, the government has acknowledged the need to raise awareness, understanding, and recognition of domestic violence in order to encourage victims to come forward (Shah, 2010). According to research, nurses feel inadequately prepared to deal with victims of domestic violence, and that a gap in practice and knowledge experience necessitates support and education. As a result, antenatal care is critical for early detection of intimate partner violence, as well as providing a suitable setting for addressing issues of violence. Inquiring may help women disclose their experiences of violence to health professionals, allowing them to gain access to additional support and care, such as community, legal, and police support services (Flach et al., 2011).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Intimate partner violence against women is a major public health and human rights concern. Because of its prevalence, negative health implications, and therapeutic potential, intimate partner violence during pregnancy has received more attention in recent years. As a result, knowing the impact of a partner's violence towards a pregnant woman might have significant reproductive health effects if detected early. Pregnancy gives a chance to screen for domestic violence because pregnant women visit the doctor on a regular basis throughout this time. As a result, it is vital to investigate the effect of violence on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of domestic violence on pregnant women. Other specific aims of this topic are:

i.          To examine the effects of domestic violence on the health of pregnant women

ii.        To determine the frequency of domestic violence on pregnant women

iii.      To examine ways to help pregnant women who are involved in domestic violence

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i.          What are the effects of domestic violence on the health of pregnant women?

ii.        How frequent is domestic violence carried out on pregnant women?

iii.      What are the ways to help pregnant women who are involved in domestic violence?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of this study would be incredibly beneficial to the society, as the impact of domestic violence will be shown, and the ways to help pregnant women who have been or are domestically abused will also be shown. Further more, this study will also be significant to scholars and researchers as this study will serve as an existing material for further studies and future reference.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will specifically be focused on assessing the impact of domestic violence on pregnant women. It will also be specifically focused on examining the effects of domestic violence on the health of pregnant women, determining the frequency of domestic violence on pregnant women and examining ways to help pregnant women who are involved in domestic violence.

This study will be using staff of Premier Medical Centre, Uyo as enrolled participants for the survey.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will be delimited to assessing the impact of domestic violence on pregnant women. It will also be be limited to examining the effects of domestic violence on the health of pregnant women, determining the frequency of domestic violence on pregnant women and examining ways to help pregnant women who are involved in domestic violence.

This study will be using staff of Premier Medical Centre, Uyo as enrolled participants for the survey thus findings of this work cannot be used in other parts of the country until further research is carried out.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Impact: a marked effect or influence

Domestic Violence: This study will specifically be focused on assessing the impact of domestic violence on pregnant women. It will also be specifically focused on examining the effects of domestic violence on the health of pregnant women, determining the frequency of domestic violence on pregnant women and examining ways to help pregnant women who are involved in domestic violence.

Pregnant women:  means a woman during pregnancy and the post partum period, which begins on the date the pregnancy ends, extends 60 days, and then ends on the last day of the month in which the 60-day period ends.

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