Socio-demographic factors associated with violence during pregnancy in an Italian city

Chiara Lucchetta, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo
Patrizia Romito, University of Trieste
Janet M. Turan, Stanford University
Federica Scrimin, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of male and family violence against women around pregnancy, analyze socio-demographic characteristics associated with violence, and explore the role of pregnancy intendedness. A total of 352 postpartum women in Trieste, Italy were interviewed. Twelve women (3.4%, 95% CI: 1.5 – 5.3%) reported experiencing any violence by a male partner or family member around pregnancy (during or in the 12 months preceding pregnancy). There were significant associations between the experience of violence and socio-demographic variables, including age, nationality, marital status, and employment. Women with unwanted or mis-timed pregnancies, or those who did not concur with their partners about the pregnancy, were more likely to have experienced violence. It is hypothesized that in this setting; where there is good access to contraception and abortion and where low fertility is socially acceptable; most women are able to have children only when they are in good situations.