Prevalence and factors associated with partner violence among pregnant and puerperal women in Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Background: Violence against women (VAW) is a violation of women's fundamental rights and special attention must be paid during the gestational and postpartum period. Aim: To determine the prevalence of violence against women attending antenatal and postpartum controls in Primary Health Centers. Material and Method: The Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) for early detection of VAW was applied to 279 pregnant and 102 puerperal women attending five public primary health centers in metropolitan Santiago. Results: The prevalence of violence against pregnant and puerperal women was 5.7 and 5.9%, respectively. In both groups, the factors associated with a greater risk of violence were being immigrants, a history of domestic violence, not having a supportive partner and alcohol consumption by the partner. Conclusions: Violence against these women is a multifactorial, complex and structural phenomenon, which involves the victim, the abuser and the entire social system. Primary health care level and health professionals can be key elements applying early detection strategies, timely referral mechanisms and bringing emotional support for victims.