One in 20 women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. The study, conducted from 2016 to 2022, reveals a disturbing trend that disproportionately affects minority communities, particularly Black women.
The CDC findings show that emotional abuse is most prevalent, followed by physical and sexual violence. This abuse often leads to severe consequences for both mothers and their unborn children, including delayed prenatal care, depression, substance use, and low birth weight infants.
Brianna Jackson, central program manager for Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms (POEM), highlights the stark reality faced by Black mothers. “Unfortunately, it’s evident that there are more Black women who deal with the issue of IPV than any other demographic,” she states, drawing from her personal and professional experiences.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) reports that over 40 percent of Black women and men experience physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking from an intimate partner in their lifetime. This higher prevalence is compounded by increased barriers to accessing support services within the Black community.
Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and effective prevention strategies. Some states, like New York, are implementing innovative programs such as the SAFE fund and paid time off for domestic violence situations. These initiatives aim to provide crucial support and resources for survivors.
As the issue gains more attention, healthcare providers and policymakers are urged to prioritize screening and intervention during prenatal and postpartum care visits. The goal is clear: to combat this hidden epidemic and ensure the safety and well-being of expectant mothers and their children.
See “Study reveals that 1 in 20 women face abuse while pregnant” (December 18, 2024)
