The midwives' experiences in the identification of battered women in pregnancy
Valdez-Santiago, R.; Arenas-Monreal, L.; Hernández-Tezoquipa, I.
Salud Publica de Mexico 46(1): 56-63
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-3634 PMID: 15053397 Document Number: 258132
A qualitative study was carried out between January and September 2001 to describe the experiences of 12 midwives living in Cuernavaca City, Morelos, Mexico in the identification of battered women during pregnancy and determine types of violence identified most easily. The identification of battered women in prenatal care was triggered by a pattern of behaviours and attitudes of battered women, such as being unkempt, shyness, poor control over decisions on health care. Physical and emotional violence were the most frequent types of violence identified by midwives during prenatal care visits. Sexual violence was more difficult to identify. It is necessary to include midwives in the national plans and programmes to prevent domestic violence. Midwives' practices provide opportunities to care for battered women. Specialized training strategies must be directed to midwives caring for pregnant women in Mexico.