In Italy, screening women for violence during medical or social service visits is not practiced and no one knows how Italian women would respond if asked. We estimated prevalence of violence among women seeking care in five public health and social service facilities located in Trieste and we studied the feasibility of directly asking female patients about violence. Of 671 eligible women identified over 3 months, 510 were interviewed; no one requested to terminate the interview once started. Prevalence of physical or sexual violence was 10.2% for the year preceding the interview; in 63% of cases the perpetrator was the current or ex-partner. Predictors of violence included being separated [OR=5.1], being divorced [OR=4.5], having a precarious employment status [OR=2.3]. Women's willingness to answer questions about violence was evaluated according to when the violence occurred (never, only in the past, only in the present, both in the past and present). Overall, 12.8% of the women showed some discomfort during the interview, 53.1% were neutral, and 34.1% were interested and eager to talk. Willingness was related to violence experience: while 41.4% of those with past violence only, 56.5% with present violence only, and 67.7% with both past and present violence willingly responded, only 22% of those without violence experience did so. These results demonstrate that violence prevalence in Italy is similar to other countries and that women will respond when asked about violence.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able 1. to identify reasons why screening for violence in Italian medical and social services is not practiced routinely, 2. describe the estimated prevalence of violence against women among female patients and clients of medical and social services in one Italian city
Keywords: Women, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.