Exposure to Domestic Violence during Pregnancy : Perceptions and Coping Mechanisms of a Vulnerable Group

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of maternity clients' relating to domestic violence. A quantitative; exploratory and descriptive design was utilised. The population consisted of maternity patients admitted to a referral hospital in Windhoek; Namibia. The findings indicate that some perceptions reflect biographical differences such as education; age and economic status. In some instances; perceptions of maternity clients were in line with findings published in existing literature that reported socio-economic circumstances and familial obligations which forced women to endure abuse. It was recommended that these differences in perceptions be taken into account during the counselling of maternity clients or while health education is being given