Researchers conducted this study to measure the prevalence of DV experienced by women seeking TOP in a UK abortion clinic.
The present study was a cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire survey of all women accessing a TOP clinic in inner London. The primary outcome measures were: distribution of questionnaires, response rate, the lifetime prevalence of abuse, the past-year prevalence of physical and sexual abuse, the prevalence of physical abuse during the current pregnancy, the relationship of lifetime abuse to several terminations, and receptivity to DV services.
Researchers distributed the questionnaires to 46% of women accessing the clinic. Prevalence of lifetime abuse was lower in women having a first termination versus one or two or more previous terminations, although this was not statistically significant. The majority of participants expressing an opinion on the possibility of having a support service for DV in the abortion clinic setting were positive, unrelated to their personal experience, but some concerns were raised about implementation.
The study concluded that services require a needs assessment of their local population to provide adequate support for women. Asking women presenting for abortion about DV, even anonymously, is challenging but feasible.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/41/2/128
