Characterisation of pregnant women in a maternity hospital in Brazil who ever suffered domestic violence

Objective: Domestic violence against women is a violation of women's rights and is a public health issue. Knowledge by all society sectors about the clinical and social characteristics of women who suffer violence is fundamental for the development of preventive actions. Methods: Data on clinical, perinatal, and socioeconomic characteristics of women attended in the municipal hospital of Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, in 2018 and 2019 who reported ever suffering domestic violence collected and compared with to women who denied exposure to violence. Results: Marital status, schooling level, evangelical religion, drug, and tobacco use were more prevalent in women who suffered violence than those who did not. The likelihood of suffering violence was lower among pregnant women who had planned (OR 0.71), desired (OR 0.64), and accepted (0.43) pregnancy compared to those who had not planned, desired, or accepted. The average per capita income of women's neighbourhoods of origin showed an inverse correlation (R=-0.795) with the number of violence cases. Conclusion: Statistic associations suggest that the historical of having suffered from violence is more prevalent among women who planned, desired, and accepted their pregnancy, in comparison to women who denied exposure to violence. The type of religion, clinical, and social conditions of more significant vulnerability showed different levels of domestic violence.