The Hidden Experience of Violence during Pregnancy: A Study of 400 Pregnant Australian Women

Abstract

This article will report on the results of research into violence experienced by women during pregnancy, undertaken at a large public tertiary obstetric hospital in Australia. Participants in the research included 400 women from diverse backgrounds, recruited from the Royal Women's Hospital Antenatal clinic in Melbourne. The methodology for the research included a structured interview framework into which was incorporated a modified version of the Abusive Behaviour Inventory (ABI). The instrument measured both physical and psychological abuse indicators. The study found that 20% (n=80) of women interviewed reported experiencing violence during their pregnancy and that they did not disclose this to their health care professionals, thus suffering the abuse in silence. An increase in physical violence was reported by 6% (n=25); however, the majority of women reported that the level of violence and abuse remained the same throughout the pregnancy. It was found that a range of abusive behaviours were reported by the women interviewed, which resulted in three very distinct profile groups emerging from the data. A greater awareness of the prevalence of this phenomenon in the peri-natal population, together with ongoing access to research in this area, will benefit health care professionals in developing sensitive practice strategies for working with women affected by violence during pregnancy. Through a deeper understanding of associated issues, practitioners can work towards creating an environment where women feel safe enough to break their silence and be confident that their disclosures will be responded to appropriately, without pressure to leave the relationship.