Written permission is required for reproducing materials contained herein. You are welcome, however, to add a link to this website. Printed copies of this pamphlet may be obtained from the author. Some Potential Effects of Abuse to Consider Domestic Violence and Pregnancy Domestic violence frequently begins or intensifies during a pregnancy. Morover, the abuse of pregnant women crosses all socio-economic and cultural lines.
Pregnancy means change in a relationship.
A new baby may be perceived as threatening to a jealous man who will soon have to share his partner's time and attention with the child. In addition, having a child can evoke anger if the batterer resents the added responsibility. The pregnancy may represent a threat to a controlling man because each time his mate goes to the doctor, there are more people who might influence her. Finally, battering may be triggered later in a pregnancy if an insecure man places undue emphasis on his mate's appearance and begins to dislike his partner's changing body. A man who responds to stress, frustration, or anger with violence , may specifically target the source of that stress.