This month marks 1 year since Cathy & I became business partners! To celebrate, we wanted to do something to give back to our community. We began brainstorming a few months ago... maybe we'd host a diaper drive, or a March of Dimes walk, or some type of 5k. We wanted to do something that related to moms & babies.
After a lot of planning, I'm so excited to announce that we will be having a vendor fair next month to benefit Groundwork Domestic Violence Program! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so we decided what better time to host such a special event? Some people may wonder, what does domestic violence have to do with moms & babies? The answer: domestic violence affects many, many mothers and therefore their babies & children. Here are some statistics on who domestic violence hurts & how.
1. Facts About Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
- Affects approximately 1.5 million women each year
- Affects as many as 324,000 pregnant women each year
- May be more common than conditions for which pregnant women are routinely screened
- Possibly associated with unintended pregnancy, delayed prenatal care, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse
2.The effects of domestic violence on pregnancy
Abuse is harmful not only to the woman being abused, but also to her baby, particularly if she takes blows to the abdomen. Such attacks can cause fetal fractures and cause injuries to or ruptures of the pregnant woman's uterus, liver, or spleen.
Studies have shown that during pregnancy, an abuser's attacks will generally focus on the breasts, abdomen, and genitals, resulting in serious consequences on the mother, fetus, and newborn and giving rise to maternal mortality and morbidity. It's linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, fetal injury, and fetal death.
Other complications may include:
- uterine prolapse
- antepartum hemorrhage
- premature rupture of membranes
- premature labor
- abruptio placenta
- vaginal infection from forced or unprotected sex with someone who has an infection
- increased first and second trimester bleeding
- headache
- irritable bowel syndrome
- chronic pelvic pain
- increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV/AIDS
3. Domestic Violence in America: General Statistics and Facts
- Women ages 18 to 34 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.
- More than 4 million women experience physical assault and rape by their partners.
- 1 in 3 female homicide victims are murdered by their current or former partner every year.
What are the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children?
- More than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes every year.
- Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence also suffer abuse or neglect at high rates (30% to 60%).
- Children exposed to domestic violence at home are more likely to have health problems, including becoming sick more often, having frequent headaches or stomachaches, and being more tired and lethargic.
- Children are more likely to intervene when they witness severe violence against a parent – which can place a child at great risk for injury or even death.
What are the Effects of Domestic Violence on Mental Health?
- Domestic violence victims face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional distress.
- Domestic violence contributes to poor health for many survivors including chronic conditions such as heart disease or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Most women brought to emergency rooms due to domestic violence were socially isolated and had few social and financial resources.
What Happens if Domestic Violence Victims Do Not Receive Help?
- Without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults.
- Without help, boys who witness domestic violence are far more likely to become abusers of their partners and/or children as adults, thus continuing the cycle of violence in the next generation.
#1 FACT: Most domestic violence incidents are never reported.
Help change the facts. Speak up, speak out, and make a difference for victims of domestic violence.
Groundwork Domestic Violence Program is a wonderful resource for local families. I'm so happy that we're able to give back to them. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, get help by reaching out at:
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
24-HOUR HOTLINE:
(815) 729-1228
To get involved in this fundraiser event, contact me at myers.andrea79@yahoo.com!
Read my birth story at http://andreasshortstories.weebly.com
Love & Light,
Andrea
1. http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/violence/intimatepartnerviolence/sld001.htm#2
2. http://www.womensweb.ca/violence/dv/pregnancy.php
3. http://www.safehorizon.org/page/domestic-violence-statistics--facts-52.html
