Pregnancy and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence during pregnancy can affect any woman from any background and race.

Pregnancy is often the time when domestic violence first starts or begins to get worse. Women who have experienced prior abuse are more likely to be abused during pregnancy.

Homicide due to domestic violence is now the leading cause of death for pregnant women. Domestic violence that occurs when a woman is pregnant injures both her and her baby.

(Update February 2013)