Domestic violence and reproductive health: problems of update of state legal policy

Abstract

Objective of the study: to study the problem of updating the legal policy of the state within the scope of domestic violence and women’s reproductive health. Materials and methods. The study was carried out from 2021 to 2023 in 4 regional centers of Ukraine: Lviv, Uzhgorod, Chernihiv and Kyiv. A survey of 712 people was conducted using structured questions, which were aimed at studying various aspects of social perception of legal policy regarding domestic violence and its manifestations during a woman’s pregnancy. Two focus groups were subject to analysis: the first group included 580 pregnant and non-pregnant women of various ages, the second group included 132 students of senior years of medical universities. Results. The results of the survey proved that pregnant women also become victims of domestic violence, especially from their intimate partner, but the level of physical and sexual violence is reduced during this period. The number of births significantly affects the frequency of domestic violence: respondents stated that the fourth or more births significantly increased the risk of becoming a victim of violence. The need to update the legal policy in the field of medical education is substantiated. However, the lack of education of health workers regarding violence emphasizes the need for updating approaches. Therefore, emphasis is placed on the core task of medical personnel - to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and other services including social to ensure the safety of victims and provide them with the necessary support. Conclusions. Based on statistical indicators, scientific doctrine in the field of medicine and law (Australia, Great Britain, USA, Iran, Norway, Latin America), it can be summarized that violence during pregnancy has primary (somatic) and long-term (psychological) consequences. Although these problems largely depend on socio-mental factors and the legal policy of the state, they still remain a serious threat to women’s health and reproductive function.

Keywords

• reproductive health
• pregnancy
• domestic violence
• countermeasures and prevention
• health authorities
• women’s rights
• perpetrator