This article discusses a New Zealand study that aimed to measure the prevalence of family violence in women seeking a termination of pregnancy. It also aimed to provide data that would indicate whether partner abuse is an issue that should be considered by those providing health care services to women seeking a termination of pregnancy. A cross-sectional survey was carried out involving consecutive women at one Health Waikato abortion clinic. Sixty-two participants completed a self-administered questionnaire in private counselling rooms. Results of the study showed that the reported lifetime prevalence of physical or sexual abuse was 50.8%. The reported lifetime prevalence of physical abuse was 43.3%, and for sexual abuse it was 32.2%. Reported prevalence of physical abuse within the last year was 13.3%, and of sexual abuse within the last year was 8.5%. Where a lifetime history of physical abuse was reported, 69% of the women said that their partner was the perpetrator or one of the perpetrators of abuse. These results demonstrate a high prevalence of family violence amongst women attending an abortion clinic. Although it is not known how representative the study findings are of the total population seeking terminations, it is suggested that consideration should be given to screening for family violence in abortion clinics in New Zealand. This should be accompanied by the provision of appropriate information and support for women with family violence issues.

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Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 45(4) August 2005 : 321-324