It’s not easy to break away from an abusive relationship, but you and your baby deserve better. You should never have to endure physical and emotional abuse. Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can call, chat, or text.
The abuse you are experiencing isn’t your fault. You have a right to feel safe, and there are people ready to help. Contact us at BsideU for Life, and we will get you the help you need and deserve.
Does Your Partner Know You Are Pregnant?
Experts say abuse often gets worse when a woman is pregnant. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that 1 in 6 women experience abuse for the first time in their life during a pregnancy.
Your partner may be angry because the pregnancy was unplanned and blame you. Or, they may be feeling the stress of another mouth to feed. No matter the reason, you do not have to stay in an abusive relationship.
Abuse has the potential to cause a miscarriage, early labor, or other health problems for you and your baby. Help is available.
If your abusive partner doesn’t know you are pregnant, talk with someone you trust before telling him. No matter his reasons for anger, you do not deserve to be mistreated. Seek help first.
Do You Have a Plan for Your Safety?
Here are a few tips to help you escape your situation:
- Confide in someone you trust. It could be a family member, friend, doctor, or counselor. Don’t keep this to yourself because you want to protect the reputation of your abuser.
- Learn the phone number of your local police department and be prepared to file charges if necessary.
- Scout out a safe place. You need a quick backup plan. Pack a suitcase with toiletries and clothing for you and your children. If possible, leave the suitcase at your safe house.
- Have an extra set of car and house keys.
- Keep some extra cash for emergencies and have copies of essential documents such as insurance cards, bank account information, or prescription medications.
Are You Being Pressured to Terminate Your Pregnancy?
No one can legally force you to have an abortion. How you handle your unplanned pregnancy is entirely up to you. Studies show that women who feel pressure to abort have more negative emotional and mental health issues.
When women feel pressured, they struggle with daily life and work, have flashbacks of their abortion experience, and have frequent feelings of grief or sadness.
You Can Trust Us
No one has the right to physically and emotionally abuse you. If you feel you have no one to confide in, come and talk with us. At BsideU for Life, we can help you put a plan in place to be safe and discuss your situation.
We can also discuss your pregnancy options and see what outcome is best for you and your baby. Schedule an appointment with us today. You deserve better, and we will be beside you all the way.