Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Pregnancy can make domestic violence even more dangerous, as the abuser may feel threatened by the new baby or may use the pregnancy as a way to control the victim.
If you are pregnant and experiencing domestic violence, it is important to get help. There are many resources available to you, and you do not have to go through this alone.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is any pattern of behavior that is used to control or dominate another person through fear and intimidation. It can include physical violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, and financial abuse.
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can make domestic violence even more dangerous for a number of reasons. The abuser may feel threatened by the new baby, or they may use the pregnancy as a way to control the victim. They may also become more controlling and possessive, and they may isolate the victim from friends and family.
Domestic violence during pregnancy can have serious physical and emotional consequences for the victim and the baby. Women who are abused during pregnancy are more likely to experience miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and infant death. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How to Get Help
If you are pregnant and experiencing domestic violence, there are many resources available to you. You do not have to go through this alone.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also chat with a counselor online at thehotline.org.
- Go to your local women’s shelter. Women’s shelters provide safe housing, food, and counseling for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence.
- Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can offer support and resources, and they can also help you create a safety plan.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member. Having someone to talk to can be very helpful.
What to Do If You Are in Immediate Danger
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You can also go to the nearest police station.
How to Protect Yourself
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from domestic violence.
- Make a safety plan. A safety plan is a written plan that outlines how you will stay safe if your abuser becomes violent. It should include information about where you will go, who you will call, and what you will do if your abuser finds you.
- Stay connected with friends and family. Having a strong support network can help you stay safe. Let your friends and family know about the abuse, and ask them to check in on you regularly.
- Document the abuse. Keep a record of the abuse, including dates, times, and what happened. This documentation can be helpful if you decide to take legal action against your abuser.
- Get a restraining order. A restraining order is a legal document that prohibits your abuser from contacting you or coming near you.
Conclusion
Pregnancy can be a difficult time, but it should not be a time of fear and violence. If you are pregnant and experiencing domestic violence, there are many resources available to you. You do not have to go through this alone.