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Obstetrics & Gynecology 2003;101:103-108
© 2003 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Prevalence of Sexual Abuse Among Women Seeking Gynecologic Care in Germany

Ursula M. Peschers, MD, Janice Du Mont, EdD, Katharina Jundt, MD, Mona Pfürtner, Elizabeth Dugan, PhD and Günther Kindermann, MD

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany; Violence and Health Research Program, Centre for Research in Women’s Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and National Research Institutes, Watertown, Massachusetts.

Address reprint requests to: Ursula M. Peschers, MD, I. Frauenklinik, Maistraße 11, 80337 München, Germany; E-mail: ursula.peschers{at}fk-i.med.uni-muenchen.de.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of sexual abuse among patients seen for gynecologic care in Germany.

METHODS: A short anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 1157 women attending a gynecologic outpatient clinic at a large urban teaching hospital. Data collected using the questionnaire included patient characteristics, sexual abuse history, and screening practices. Women who reported that they had been abused were asked if they had ever discussed the issue with their gynecologist.

RESULTS: A total of 1075 questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 92.9%. Almost half (n = 479 [44.6%]) of the women surveyed reported that they had been the subject of unwanted sexual attention. One fifth (n =216 [20.1%]) had been forced to engage in sexual activities: 6.8% in childhood, 10.3% during adolescence, 6.4% as an adult, and 3.5% across more than one stage. Thirteen women (6%) reported having discussed the abuse with their gynecologist. Sixty-six (30.5%) were too afraid to raise the issue, and 119 (55.1%) stated it was not relevant to their care. Only one woman (0.5%) reported that her gynecologist had asked about sexual abuse.

CONCLUSION: Despite the high prevalence of sexual abuse among women seeking gynecologic care, routine screening does not appear to be part of standardized practice.




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