The nature of women abuse and the effect of abuse on their quality of life

The first 200 words of this essay...

The nature of women abuse and the effect of abuse on their quality of life

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

1. Statement of the problem

Intimate partner abuse is a public worldwide health problem resulting in

negative mental and physical health outcomes for abused women. It occurs in all

countries and transcends social, economic, religious, and cultural groups

(Campbell & Humphreys, 1993; Campbell & Lewandowski, 1999, Carolyn,

2002; Center for Health and Gender Equity, 2002). World Health Organization

(1997) reported on domestic violence, highlighting its prevalence in 24 countries

with 20-50% of women being the victims in intimate partner abuse sometime in

their lives.

Intimate partner abuse during pregnancy is common. Studies have

shown that the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse during pregnancy ranges

from 3% to 8%, depending on the population surveyed and the number of

questions asked (Hedin, Grimstad, Moller, Schei & Janson, 1999; Muhajarine &

D'Arcy, 1999; Stewart & Cecutti, 1993). Pregnancy may indeed increase the risk

of abuse (Wester, Sweett & Stolz, 1994) while the pattern of abuse may alter

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during pregnancy (Bohn, 1990). In a study