Editorial

Abuse in South African maternity settings is a disgrace: Potential solutions to the problem

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Simone Honikman, Sue Fawcus, Ingrid Meintjes

Abstract


Abuse of mothers in maternity settings is widespread globally. In South Africa, this human rights violation has been documented by many sources. Particular factors relating to health workers’ professional and personal contexts contribute to the problem and need to be addressed if it is to be solved. Several local and international initiatives are discussed as possible solutions.

Authors' affiliations

Simone Honikman, Perinatal Mental Health Project, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Professional Standards Committee member, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Sue Fawcus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Head of Obstetric Services, Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

Ingrid Meintjes, Perinatal Mental Health Project, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa

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Keywords

Abuse; Maternity; Human rights; Occupational stress

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2015;105(4):284-286. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.9582

Article History

Date submitted: 2015-03-10
Date published: 2015-03-10

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