Abstract
Presents the methodology and results of a UK study aimed at examining the prevalence of domestic violence amongst pregnant women on antenatal and postnatal wards and the relationship between domestic violence, obstetric complications and women’s psychological health. The findings indicate a significant number of women presenting for antenatal and postnatal care have been exposed to domestic violence and that strong associations between violence, physical and psychological health exist. The importance of these findings for health care professionals and the development of early intervention and prevention programmes are also highlighted.