Family violence – escalation during pregnancy and impact on children

Content warning: domestic abuse and family violence.

For many women, finding out that they are pregnant or welcoming a new baby into the world marks an exciting new phase of their lives. But for some, pregnancy can be a dangerous time – with the abusive and controlling behaviour of their partners turning violent, or existing violence in a relationship escalating particularly if the pregnancy is unplanned or unwanted.

In this episode, we again hear from Assunta Morrone – Manager, Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence at Western Health – who talks about family violence during pregnancy; why it’s a time of greater risk; and the association with negative health outcomes for the foetus, mother and child.

Assunta shares how children can be direct or indirect targets of family violence; the long-term impacts of childhood trauma; and how important it is for clinical staff to intervene early.

Both Assunta and senior midwife Emma Greelish provide practical advice about what clinical staff can do if they suspect a pregnant patient or a child is experiencing family violence.

This podcast includes descriptions of family violence and may be upsetting to some listeners. If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault, you can call the national counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

For more information, visit http://familyviolence.wh.org.au