About 15.6 percent antenatal women reported that they had been victims to some forms of physical or sexual violence from male intimate partners in the past twelve months; this was revealed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services latest findings.
The findings also revealed about 12.8% have experience being forced to have sexual intercourse in their life time.
The report shows that young women were more likely to encounter being victim to forced sexual intercourse by the perpetrator most often were their partners, family friends or close relatives than elder women.
Other sexual offenders include neighbours, relatives or even work colleagues, the report stated.
Meanwhile, the report stated that violence against women and sexual abuse during pregnancy is an important risk factor for both the health of women and their unborn children that leads to increase risk of pregnancy complication, miscarriage and low rate birth delivery.
By BIRIAU WILSON SAENI
