In October 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was created. DVAM is a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues. Although domestic violence and abuse is not a topic we like to talk about, we need to because, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
Unfortunately, domestic violence doesn’t exclude pregnant women. If anything, domestic violence often increases for women whose partner doesn’t want them pregnant.
In fact, according to a report done by the National Library of Medicine, it found that: The overall prevalence was found to be 35%. Out of 1000 pregnant women, 270 (27%) suffered from simple violence, and 60 (6%) were victims of grievous assault. Violence among pregnant women is found to be more prevalent among residents of urban areas, women of older age being uneducated & belonging to poor socioeconomic status.
If you think you might be pregnant and experiencing domestic violence, we can help. But first, let’s define domestic abuse because many women don’t realize what they’re experiencing is actually abuse.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse.
What should I do if I am pregnant and experiencing domestic violence/abuse?
This is a great question. Your safety is the first priority. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. The Center for Community Solutions also provides crisis intervention and service referrals for victims of domestic violence. Their crisis line is 1-888-385-4657.
Once your safety is secured, Alternatives Medical Clinic can help too! At AMC, we value your privacy, and all of our services are free and confidential. Take a look at the free services we provide:
- Pregnancy Verification – pregnancy testing & ultrasound exams.
- Valuable education to help you make an informed choice.
- Medical Professionals who are supportive and friendly.
- Limited STD/STI Testing for women and men.
Parenting classes
Material assistance including baby clothes and other items needed for baby.
- Parental & Family counseling referrals.
- Community Resource Referrals
The Center for Community Solutions provides local support for survivors of abuse as well. If you need help immediately, you can contact their crisis hotline: 1-888-385-4657 or send an email: info@ccssd.org.
For an appointment at Alternatives Medical Clinic, you can click here or call us at 760-273-3878. We are waiting to serve you. Your safety is our concern!
Compiled Sources:
Domestic Violence Against Pregnant Women. National Library of Medicine. June 2018. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29938426/
What is domestic violence? National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Accessed September 2021. Available from: https://ncadv.org/learn-more
