Abuse and Violence in Pregnancy-Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology : University of Iowa Health Care

Abuse and Violence

Iowa Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1-800-942-0333

Abuse includes different behaviors used to establish power and control over the victim. This includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Often, because of guilt or shame, the victim does not report the abuse.

3 to 4 million American women are battered each year

Battering occurs in all races, age groups, economic and educational groups

Battering of women is the most underreported crime in America

A battering is rarely an isolated event

Battering tends to increase and become more violent over time

Many batterers learned violent behaviors growing up in an abusive family

25 to 45% of all women who are battered are battered during pregnancy

Battering may begin or become worse during pregnancy.

Risks of Violence

Battering may lead to miscarriage, low birth weight infant, or direct injury to the baby.

Battering may lead to alcohol or drug abuse by the woman.

Men who abuse their partners often abuse their children.

The Cycle of Violence

Phase 1

Increase tension

Anger

Blaming

Arguing

Phase 2

Sexual abuse
Verbal threats
Battering
Hitting
Slapping
Kicking
Choking
Use of weapons

Phase 3

Calm stage
Denial of Violence
Abuser may say he was drunk
Abuser says he is sorry
Abuser promises never to do it again

Effects of Domestic Violence

*Women*	*Children*	*Men*
Isolation	Emotional problems	Increased belief power/control are achieved by violence
Low self esteem	Fear	Anger and increased threats of violence or violent behavior
Alcohol or drug abuse Permanent physical damage	Anger Injuries	Possessiveness, may keep close watch on partner or keep her away from her friends
Pain and injuries: usually to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and breasts	Increased risk of abuse Death	Increased emotional problems: moody behaviors alternated with charming behaviors
Death of the woman	Repetition of abuse behavior	Increased legal problems
Killing of abuser		Decreased self-esteem
Emotional problems--depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders, thoughts of suicide	IOWA DOMESTIC ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-942-0333

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004