Advisers

Edgar A. Reyes, MPA

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Domestic violence remains a pervasive threat to women’s safety and well‑being, with physical assault, emotional abuse, and economic coercion occurring even within the home. In Nitang Street, Barangay Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City, pregnant women face heightened vulnerability to such abuse. This study examined the impact of domestic violence on women in this community, focusing on physical, economic, and emotional consequences and the factors that exacerbate risk during pregnancy. A descriptive quantitative design was employed to assess the effects of domestic violence in Barangay Gulod. Purposive sampling selected fifty‑five participants: twenty pregnant women who have experienced domestic violence, fifteen healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, and social workers) serving pregnant clients, and fifteen police officers from Station 4 trained in domestic violence response. A structured questionnaire gathers demographic data and ratings of violence impact and intervention needs. Weighted means and frequency distributions are used to analyze responses. Respondents were predominantly female, aged 34 to 41, married, middle class, and college graduates. Participants strongly agreed that domestic violence inflicted serious physical harm (mean = 4.35 on a five‑point scale), increased economic hardship (mean = 4.20), and caused deep emotional trauma (mean = 4.45). The highest-ranked consequence was elevated risk of miscarriage or preterm birth, cited by 82 percent of women. Healthcare providers and police officers corroborated these findings and emphasized the need for coordinated support services. The study indicated that domestic violence during pregnancy carried severe multi‑dimensional impacts in Barangay Gulod. As a result, a holistic intervention strategy was recommended, including regular community information campaigns using posters and flyers at the barangay hall, health centers, schools, and local stores; immediate, accessible support services for survivors; strengthened community capacity to prevent and respond to abuse; and advocacy for policy reforms to enhance legal protection and resource allocation. These measures were expected to improve survivor safety and promote community resilience.

Keywords

domestic violence, physical harm, emotional trauma, pregnancy, intervention strategies, assesment domestic