Domestic Violence & Pregnancy
Domestic violence during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the expectant mother and her unborn child. Alarmingly, homicide has been identified as the leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women, surpassing medical complications such as preeclampsia and hemorrhaging.
A Hidden Crisis
Pregnancy is often seen as a time of joy and anticipation, but for many women, it is also a time of profound danger. Shockingly, homicide is the leading cause of death among pregnant women in the United States.
The Alarming Intersection of Domestic Violence and Pregnancy
- Abuse doesn’t stop with pregnancy. Between 50-75% of women who are abused before pregnancy continue to face abuse during pregnancy.
- A silent epidemic: Up to 20% of pregnant women experience violence during their pregnancy—a statistic that makes domestic violence more common than gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, both of which are routinely screened for during prenatal care.
- A tragic timeline: About 7% of pregnant homicide victims lose their lives during the first trimester.
- Unintended pregnancies and violence: Women with unintended pregnancies are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience physical violence compared to those with planned pregnancies. Alarmingly, many of these unintended pregnancies result from abuse, including marital rape.
The Role of Guns in Pregnancy-Related Homicides
Pregnant women who are victims of homicide are more likely to be killed with a gun than other victims of homicide, highlighting the critical need for protective measures and interventions.
National domestic violence hotline:
(800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 TTY
Domestic Violence + Pregnancy Statistics
over 324,000
Each year, over 324,000 pregnant women in the United States experience domestic violence.
35% Higher Death Risk
Pregnant and postpartum women face a 35% higher risk of homicide compared to nonpregnant, nonpostpartum women.
7%
7% of pregnant homicide victims are killed early (during the first trimester) in the pregnancy.