Testing an intervention to prevent further abuse to pregnant women

Abstract

Although violence against women is recognized as a major public health problem, few interventions have been developed to reduce abuse. In this study, 132 pregnant women received three counseling sessions that were designed to reduce further abuse. A comparison group of 67 abused women were offered wallet-sized cards listing community resources for abuse. Women in both groups were followed at 6 months and 12 months post-delivery. Using repeated measures MANCOVA with entry scores as a covariate, we found significantly less violence reported by women in the intervention group than by women in the comparison group.

The effect of training problem-solving skills for pregnant women experiencing intimate partner violence: a randomized control trial

“…Kelly et al (2011) compared the physical and sexual types of violence against 521 pregnant women in California and found a significant reduction in the physical type of violence against the intervention group compared to the control group in the first follow-up of the intervention and then 4-8 weeks after childbirth [ 36 ], but no significant changes in the sexual type of violence during pregnancy or after childbirth were observed, which is consistent with the results of the present study. In contrast, Parker et al (1999) found a significant reduction in both physical and non-physical (i.e, psychological and sexual) violence against 132 pregnant women visiting the health clinics in Texas and Virginia in every follow-up of their intervention [ 37 ], which is inconsistent with the results of the present study; nevertheless, no significant differences were observed 6 and 12 months after the intervention, which is inconsistent with the results of the present study. According to the researcher, the disparity of the results may be due to the type of the used questionnaire in the cited study (the ASS), its follow-up period (6 and 12 months after the intervention), its intervention design (the empowerment of abused women in three sessions) and the performed intervention in the control group (which was provided through brochures containing information on sources of support during violence).…”

Perceived Changes in Health and Safety Following Participation in a Health Care–Based Domestic Violence Program

“…These data provide preliminary evidence for the effects of health care-based DV advocacy services on the health and safety of women participating in these services for 6 months or more. Some of the benefits described in the current study are similar to those reported in previous studies of DV advocacy services (i.e., improved safety/ decreased abuse, 25,29,32,33 improved mental health, 24,28 decreased alcohol and drug use, 30 and increased use of mental health services 36 ). In addition, women in the current study reported that advocacy services helped them to obtain health insurance, connect with primary care (and mental health) providers, miss fewer medical appointments, improve aspects of their self-care and coping (diet, exercise, and smoking), and contributed to improvements in some chronic health conditions.…”

Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Maternal Child Health

“…By incorporating practical interventions geared at assessing for abuse, ensuring safety, enhancing parenting skills, and strengthening the available support system, nurses work toward increasing the survival and well-being of all abused women and their children. ✜ total screening follow-up lasted approximately 11 minutes (2002), which is consistent with Parker et al's (1999) fi ndings. The empowerment brochure intervention can continue to be used in follow-up visits to guide healthcare providers working with abused women.…”