Violence in Pregnancy: qualitative and quantitative study of the problem

OBJECTIVES

To document the prevalence of violence in pregnancy in a pilot region (East Flanders)
To test and adept the "Abuse Assessment Screening" tool to the Belgian context
To assess the possibilities for referral of victims through a KAP survey among gynaecologists
To identify the use of health care services as well as potential obstacles for the victims of violence during pregnancy

METHODS

Review of literature
KAP-study among gynaecologists
In-depth interviews with gynaecologists and victims

ACTIVITIES

Review of literature
Determining sample of gynaecologists
Interviews with gynaecologists
Determining the sample of victims
Interviews with victims
Screening of patients during prenatal consultations

RESULTS

Estimates of the prevalence of violence against pregnant women in East Flanders
Validation of the AAS method
Adequate referral system forvictims of violence in pregnancies
Overview of emergency services in the province
Overview of the difficulties and possibilities concerning the screening and referral of victims to emergency services