Domestic Abuse: A Threat to Pregnant Latinas

For far too many women, what should be a time of great joy and excitement is instead a nightmare. Every year in the United States, an estimated four million women are abused. Many of these women are pregnant. In fact, pregnancy alone is a risk factor for physical abuse; and it is estimated that one in five women will be abused during pregnancy. Women of any ethnicity, race or social class are susceptible. Latinas are no exception.

Two victims
When a pregnant woman is abused, not only is she at risk – so is her baby. In addition to her physical, emotional and/or psychological wounds, domestic violence during pregnancy can cause:
• Abdominal trauma
• Hemorrhaging (including placental separation)
• Uterine rupture
• Miscarriage/stillbirth
• Preterm labor
• Premature rupture of the membranes
• Low birthweight

Women who are physically or emotionally abused during pregnancy may smoke, use drugs, eat poorly or not gain enough weight. These are all risk factors that put babies at greater risk for being born too soon or too small.

Additional Challenges for Latinas in Abusive Relationships:
All women in abusive relationships face challenges to getting the help they need. Domestic violence against Latina women who are pregnant and have few resources hurts deeply. Latinas, particularly those who are recent immigrants, may experience additional problems because of cultural differences, language barriers or immigration status. Here are some problems that you should be aware of:

1. Cultural Beliefs: Latinas may believe that family problems - including violence - should be kept quiet and dealt with only by family members. Pressure to “keep the family together” may come from family or church members, even if it means suffering more abuse. For Latinas, her family comes first, so neglecting her own health needs is not unusual. Other religious and societal beliefs may make a woman feel guilty if she leaves her abusive partner or acts against his will.
2. Alcohol Abuse: Several studies have shown that when a domestic partner abuses alcohol the risk for domestic abuse increases considerably. Alcohol consumption among Latinos is a growing health problem.
3. Isolation: Abusers typically attempt to isolate their partners from family and friends. Recent immigrants may have no family (other than their abusive partner) or friends living near them. With little support or knowledge from the outside word, Latinas often find it hard to disclose any type of abuse. These factors may also delay early prenatal care.
4. Threats / Immigration Status: Abusers may threaten to report their partners to the police or to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They may not file papers to legalize their partner’s immigration status.
5. Control: Abusers may confiscate or destroy important papers such as passports and identification cards. They may prevent their partners from getting jobs, driving, trying to learn English or going to doctor’s appointments.
6. Children: Abusers may threaten to take children (with or without legal custody) to their country of origin.
7. Language Barriers: Latinas may be hesitant or unable to seek help from social service agencies, law enforcement or healthcare providers due to limited English ability.
8. Misconceptions: Latinas, particularly immigrants, may not be familiar with U.S. laws that protect women and children against violence; and these laws may differ considerably from those in other countries. They may also fear involving the police because of their immigration status.