In total,

9 studies had the backdrop of African countries, in different regions of the continent, with emphasis on the studies carried out in Nigeria (5 studies). The studies conducted in Nigeria revealed a variation of prevalence of violence in pregnancy of 17%16 to 58,6%,13 however, the samples were variables, as well as the data collection instruments, representing a research bias, which makes the establishment Z-VAD-FMK purchase of a uniform parameter difficult to measure. With regard to the profile of victims and aggressors, the results of the Nigerian research were uniforms. The victims were monogamous women, with low level of education and financial dependence of their respective partners.12, 13 and 16 The aggressors, most of them were intimate partners,12, 13, 16 and 17 the low level education is repeated. In the remaining countries of the African continent, other factors emerge as aggravating to the risk factors for violence as the infidelity of a partner, the fact of the woman being single in current pregnancy and have children from different fathers, besides, the refusal

of the woman to use contraceptive methods.18 This last event will result in significant repercussions on women’s health and the future child, since it will increase the number of unwanted pregnancies, such fact, will learn more focus on women’s mental health, shaping up as a risk factor for depression and the abortion practice.19 When categorized the types of violence, there is a prevalence of violence defined as verbal and emocional.17, 20 and 21 However, the physical and sexual violence, and the economic abuse practiced by intimate partners were recorded at high rates, the physical abuse, for example, reaches 17%.20 and 22 In the countries of the Asian continent, studies that underscore the religiosity and culture as predictors in the phenomenon

of violence against women Methocarbamol were found. A study conducted in Iran showed that the abuse during any previous period was a strong risk factor for subsequent abuse. Other risk factors associated to abuse were: woman testifying previously domestic violence, the use of opium by her husband, the woman education < or = 12 years, the age of marriage of the woman < 18 years, the husband’s education < or = 12 years, the economic dependence of the woman.23 It is noteworthy in this context the emergence of a psychoactive substance popular in that country (opium), and the early age of marriages, common in the culture of Islamic countries. Other relevant data with regard to risk factors is related to the fact that women who witnessed domestic violence are more likely to be victims of this abuse, for a cultural issue.