Effects of domestic abuse during pregnancy

Abstract

Domestic abuse is a serious problem in the United States. When domestic abuse occurs during pregnancy, complications can occur with negative outcomes for mother and fetus. The purpose of this study is to describe the effects of domestic abuse during pregnancy for both the mother and fetus. Dorothy Johnson's Behavioral Systems Model is the theoretical framework. The population will be all pregnant women seeking prenatal care at three local health care facilities in a Midwestern city and 150 pregnant women will be screened for domestic abuse. The women who have experienced abuse will be invited to participate. The anticipated sample is 112 pregnant women (75%). The Abuse Assessment Screen, the Conflict Tactics Scale, and the Index of Spouse Abuse will be used to collect data. Permission will be obtained from Ball State University and participating agencies. Participation is voluntary and data will remain anonymous. Findings will provide information for nurses who provide mandatory domestic violence screening in healthcare settings and will assist in the development of domestic abuse prevention programs in the community.