Domestic violence and pregnancy

Domestic violence is the most common form of assault. Women are most at risk of violence in their own home. Physical violence from your partner is against the law. Sexual or emotional abuse can be as harmful as physical abuse.

-          Violence is any behaviour that causes physical, sexual or emotional harm or causes a person to live in fear.

-          Emotional violence is any behaviour aimed at frightening you or stripping you of your self esteem and confidence, or isolating you from your family and friends.

-          Verbal violence is when you are often called names, insulted or told you deserve abuse.

-          Sexual violence includes any sexual behaviour that is forced on you without you giving your consent freely.

-          Financial violence is when the money given to you is not enough and you are blamed for not making ends meet, or when you have to ask for money all the time, or you get no money at all.

-          Some people use abuse or violence as a way of getting what they want.

Domestic violence happens in all kinds of families from all backgrounds.

Domestic Violence cycle

Domestic violence may first start during pregnancy or may get worse during pregnancy. It has been estimated that about one third of pregnant women are affected by domestic violence.

Your safety and the safety of your unborn child and any other children are very important.

If you are being abused, it's really important to get some help.

Resources

South Australia

You can get more information and help from any of the services listed here. They will all help you confidentially.

-          Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS),

A service for women, providing professional counselling, referrals, links to safe accommodation, and information about legal, housing, police and financial issues.

Ph: 1300 782 200. (24 hours)

(Some of the information in this topic comes from a pamphlet published by the Domestic Violence Crisis Service.)

-          Domestic Violence Helpline

Counselling for women and men: a service of Lifeline

Ph: 1800 800 098 (24 hour Helpline).

http://ucwesleyadelaide.org.au/domesticviolence/

-          Crisis Care

After hours crisis support (violence and abuse, suicide, child protection etc)

4pm-9am plus weekends & public holidays Ph. 131 611

-          Women's Information Service

08 8303 0590, or for country callers 1800 188 158

info@wis.sa.gov.au

http://www.wis.sa.gov.au/

-          Women's Health Statewide

Healthline 1300 882 880

http://www.whs.sa.gov.au/index.php

-          Family accommodation information and referral services

Telephone services for families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

1800 003 308

-          Nunkuwarrin Yunti, for Aboriginal women and men

Ph 8223 5011

http://www.nunku.org.au/

Nunga Miminis Shelter,

9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday 8223 2200

-          Migrant Women's Support and Accommodation Service

Ph 8346 9417

-          Police

000 in an emergency, or 131 444

More information

Child and Youth Health 'Relationship violence'

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails...

When love hurts – 'a guide on love, respect and abuse in relationships' - has lots of useful information about preventing domestic violence.

http://www.dvirc.org.au/whenlove/

  

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see your doctor or midwife.