Domestic Violence & Pregnancy
Women's Aid is deeply concerned about the prevalence of abuse of women during pregnancy and the post natal period. Therefore, Women's Aid has partnered with maternity hospitals and EuMom to provide support and information to pregnant women, as well as raise awareness among the public.
If you are pregnant and experiencing abuse by your partner, click here.
Domestic Violence & Pregnancy
The tactics of domestic violence used by perpetrators specifically against women who are pregnant include physical abuse (being beaten, thrown against walls or doors, being strangled, and being beaten to the point of miscarriage) and sexual abuse (rape and sexual assault). These tactics can extend beyond pregnancy into the Post-natal period and can include women not being allowed, or being forced to give up breastfeeding, and removal of stitches.
Women's Aid hears from women who are beaten and raped while they are pregnant, often resulting in miscarriage. We hear from women who are forbidden to breast feed their child, women who are raped in the weeks immediately following child birth and women who are beaten while holding their baby.
Pregnancy does not offer protection to domestic violence. In fact, international research has found that 30% of women who experience domestic violence are physically assaulted for the first time during pregnancy (RCM, 1997). The Rotunda Hospital conducted research which found that 1 in 8 women surveyed were being abused during their current pregnancy (O'Donnell et all, 2000).
Click here to find out more about the effects of domestic violence on women and newborn infants.
Domestic Violence & Pregnancy Awareness Campaign
With funding from Cosc, Women's Aid works in partnership with EUmom and maternity hospitals to provide information and support to pregnant women and professionals with whom they come in contact.
'Recognise, Respond, Refer' leaflets have been distributed to staff at maternity hospitals, promoting best practice in responding to women who may be experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy.
Birth weight conversion charts were also distributed, which promoted the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline as a resource for women and maternity hospital staff.
Women's Aid partners with Eumom to reach pregnant women all over Ireland. Eumom is Ireland's largest pregnancy and parenting club, providing information and support for women looking to conceive, who are pregnant or who are already parents.
Women's Aid Awareness Cards are featured in the EUmom Mother to be Gift Box, and our services have been promoted in the Eumom pregnancy diary, given to women accessing maternity hospitals and ante-natal clinics throughout Ireland. Information on domestic violence during pregnancy and Women's Aid services also appeared on the Eumom website
Joint Working Group on Domestic Violence & Pregnancy
Made up of key staff from the four Dublin maternity hospitals and Women's Aid, the Joint Working Group is currently producing Guidelines for Maternity Hospital Staff Responding to Domestic Violence, due to be released in 2012.
Women's Aid is also currently providing specialised training for maternity staff responding to domestic violence on best practice approaches to recognising and responding to domestic violence during pregnancy and puerperium.
Statistics
- According to research carried out in the UK, 70 of the 295 women who died during pregnancy or in the first 6 weeks after giving birth had a history of domestic violence. 19 of these women (27%) were murdered (CEMACH, 2007).
- 30% of women who experience domestic violence are physically assaulted for the first time during pregnancy (RCM, 1997).
- The Rotunda Hospital conducted research which found that 1 in 8 women surveyed were being abused during their current pregnancy (O'Donnell et all, 2000).
Further Resources
A Question of Maternal Health, article by Deirdre Campbell
Read Jane's story
Domestic Violence & Pregnancy Media Briefing Card