Violence against women and perceived health: An observational survey of patients treated in the multidisciplinary structure ‘The Women’s House’ and two Family Planning Centres in the metropolitan Paris area

It is unknown how many women seeking care at French Family Planning Centres (FPCs) endure, or have endured intimate partner violence (IPV). To assess the prevalence of IPV, we surveyed women seeking care at three FPCs in the metropolitan Paris area (Seine‐Saint‐Denis). We examined the associations between IPV, socio‐demographic characteristics and perceptions of health according to six indicators. Of the FPCs included in our survey, two are standalone facilities and one is located in The Women's Home, a multidisciplinary structure dedicated to serving survivors of violence. We conducted an observational survey from December 2018 to February 2019. All women aged 18 years and older were eligible. We solicited data on socio‐demographic factors, general stability and history of violence. We measured health status on a 10‐point scale for six different symptoms. Of the 274 women who participated, 27% had experienced IPV. Women who reported experiencing, or having experienced IPV were more likely to be between 25 and 44 years old (than under 25), temporarily documented or undocumented, unemployed or seeking employment, and experiencing housing insecurity. Women seeking care at The Women's House were more than twice as likely to report IPV (42%) than those visiting FPC‐2 or FPC‐3 (20% and 16%, respectively). Reports of violence increase among women with uncertain legal status, housing, employment and lower self‐rated health. Results suggest that a FPC located in a structure specifically dedicated to serving women victims‐survivors of violence like the Women's House may be more attractive to survivors.