Type:	Journal Article
Title:	A qualitative exploration of the nature of domestic violence in pregnancy
Other Titles:	Violence against women
Authors:	Bewley, Susan Bacchus, Loraine Mezey, Gill
Keywords:	Pregnancy
Year:	2006
Publisher:	Sage Publications
Citation:	12 (6), June 2006
Notes:	This article describes a qualitative study in the UK of 16 women who had experienced domestic violence in the last 12 months. Ten of the 16 women had experienced domestic violence during their recent pregnancy. A literature review is provided. An explanation as to why the risk of domestic violence during pregnancy may increase for some women was provided. Some women reported increased insecurity, jealousy, and possessiveness in their partner during their pregnancy. Abuse took place around the arrival and care of the new baby: financial worries, the woman’s lesser physical and emotional availability during pregnancy, the lack of practical and emotional support from the male partner; and doubts about paternity. The results suggest that pregnant women’s experiences of partner abuse are similar to those who are abused outside of pregnancy. It discusses violence as coming from the abuser’s emotional insecurity and need to enforce power and control, with the pregnancy increasing the women’s vulnerability to violence.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/13159
ISSN:	1077-8012
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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