Dr. Shahnaz Kouser, Assistant Professor, Gynae Unit- I AlMC/ Jinnah Hospital, Lahore.
E mail: sk845@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT

Objective:  To assess the frequency, causes and types of violence among antenatal women.
Study Design: Non interventional descriptive study.
Place and Duration: Gynaecological OPD of Jinnah Hospital for a period of 3 months.
Methodology: All pregnant patients who agreed to participate in this study after informed consent were included. They were interviewed maintaining confidentiality and anonymity. The information was recorded on predesigned proforma.
Results: Total 450 women attending (presenting for first time) gynecological clinic of Jinnah hospital Lahore were included in the study. Majority of them (240-53.4%) had an arranged marriage. Most of the participants (256- 56.9%) were living in a joint family system.
Two hundred and fifty cases (55.6%) experienced some sort of violence (physical/ verbal). Among the patients who were affected with violence, husband was the perpetrator in 127 (50.8%) cases, while other in laws’ family members was responsible in 49.2% cases (table- 5). Out of 450 cases, only 6 (1.4%) patients gave history of first trimester abortion. Out of these 6, one patient had consecutive 3 abortions due to physical hurt and one patient had 2 induced abortions due to husband pressure. One patient had fracture humerus after being beaten by sister in law and brother in law.
Conclusion: Domestic violence is a reproductive health issue which needs to be recognized and addressed.
Key Words: Domestic violence, Frequency, Perpetrator.

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