So often, a woman is told it's her fault for her partner's anger or abuse. The truth is, it's not your fault. You deserve respect and protection. No one has the right to abuse you physically, emotionally, or sexually.
Getting away from your abuser, especially when you're pregnant, is crucial. Contact the Domestic Abuse Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) for help and advice.
The team at Choices is also here for you. Schedule a free, confidential meeting with us. If it's difficult for you to get away on your own, you can also chat with us online.
What Are the Types of Abuse?
An abusive partner doesn't just hurt you physically. There are several forms of abuse:
- Physical abuse is the most easily recognized, but it doesn't always involve a physical attack. It can include denying you food or medicine, driving recklessly, or trapping you in your home.
- Emotional abuse is meant to control, isolate, or frighten you. Calling you names, humiliating you, monitoring all of your activities, or blaming you for the abuse are all attempts to control you emotionally.
- Sexual abuse is a way to control the intimacy of your relationship. Forcing you to have sex against your will, making you watch pornography, or intentionally giving you an STD are forms of sexual abuse.
- Financial abuse prevents you from accessing money for yourself. Often, the abuser lives in your home but refuses to work or contribute to the household.
Can My Pregnancy Increase Abuse?
Any pregnancy can be stressful. Sadly, experts say there are a few reasons why pregnancy contributes to an increase in abuse, but usually, there were symptoms of abuse beforehand.
- Abuse increases if the pregnancy was unplanned.
- The financial pressure of raising a child can add to abuse.
- When your partner becomes jealous because the attention shifts from him to your pregnancy and the baby.
What Could Be the Effects on My Pregnancy?
Every form of abuse adds stress to a pregnant woman. High levels of stress can cause heart disease or high blood pressure.
Physical or sexual abuse can cause a miscarriage, low birth weight for the baby, fetal injury, or even death for the mother. Emotional and financial abuse can keep you from receiving the necessary prenatal care you need.
What Can I Do?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby. It takes courage to leave an abusive relationship, but you both deserve better. Here are some ways to get immediate protection:
- Call 911 or your local police department immediately if you are afraid.
- Let your healthcare provider know your situation.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233. They can provide confidential crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals to local resources.
- Prepare a getaway bag with emergency resources in case you need to get away quickly.
- Confidentially contact the team at Choices Options for Women either online, by text, or by phone at (732) 516-0911, or use our 24/7 helpline at (800) 712-HELP (4357).
We are here for you. No one should live in fear. Let us help you have a healthier, safer pregnancy and a better future.
You do not need to be a victim one more day. Contact us now!