October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States.  According to the World Health Organization, domestic abuse or domestic violence (the terms can be used interchangeably) is:

“…a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.”

Being pregnant does not reduce the risk of experiencing domestic violence from a partner.  According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), approximately 324,000 pregnant women are abused each year in the United States (ACOG, 2012).  One in six pregnant people experience domestic violence for the first time during a pregnancy. Intimate partner violence can contribute to poor pregnancy weight gain, infection, anemia, tobacco use, stillbirth, pelvic fracture, placental abruption, fetal injury, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Additionally, homicide is the leading cause of death of pregnant people in the United States (ACOG, 2012).  BIPOC pregnant people are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence that results in death (Campbell, 2021).

Childbirth birth educators and other perinatal professionals have a responsibility to provide information on domestic abuse and resources for help and support to all families enrolled in their programs.  This information should be made available in a safe and accessible way as a person who is experiencing intimate partner abuse may not directly reach out for help.

Here are seven ways that educators and others can make this information available to the families they serve. Consider including some local and national resources for support and assistance.

1. Include information on your website as a matter of fact.  People who are searching for childbirth education will find the resources while searching for class information.
2. Routinely include resources in any print or electronic newsletters that go out to participants regularly.
3. Provide information to all participants in any hard copy resource packets you provide.
4. Place resource cards in bathrooms that serve all genders, so everyone can access it.
5. Inform attendees that you are available outside of class via email, phone or text, to provide resources and referrals on any topic and information will be kept confidential.
6. Make sure that information is available in a variety of languages.
7. Evaluate the information provided annually to be sure it is still accurate.

If you become aware of a domestic violence situation, please know that the legal responsibility to report intimate partner violence (adult on adult) to authorities and public safety organizations varies across the USA and globally.  Become familiar with the laws in your area.

Resources in the United States

The National Domestic Violence Hotline—A non-profit organization that provides real-time crisis intervention, information, and referrals as well as on-line resources.
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

The National Sexual Assault Hotline—A confidential, secure service that provides live help through the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
1-800-656 HOPE (4673)

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence—An advocacy organization working to prevent domestic violence and empower those affected.

The Academy on Violence & Abuse—An interdisciplinary organization of healthcare professionals dedicated to making violence and abuse a core component of medical and related professional education and clinical care.

Futures Without Violence (formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund)—Works to prevent violence within the home and in the community.

The National Network to End Domestic Violence—A social change organization, is dedicated to creating a social, political, and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists.

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence—A comprehensive source of information for those wanting to educate themselves and help others on the many issues related to domestic violence.

The Women’s Law Organization—Provides legal advice and advocacy based on state statutes.

International Resources

International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2021)

References

Intimate partner violence. Committee Opinion No. 518. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2012; 119:412–7.

Campbell, J., Matoff-Stepp, S., Velez, M. L., Cox, H. H., & Laughon, K. (2021). Pregnancy-associated deaths from homicide, suicide, and drug overdose: Review of research and the intersection with intimate partner violence. Journal of Women's Health, 30(2), 236-244.

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