Is it possible to seek help without leaving the relationship right away?

Yes, one can seek medical assistance, counselling or just information without having to decide anything about the relationship immediately.

Is it okay to inform my doctor if I am being abused?

Yes. Doctors are trained to have such a discussion. Many antenatal sessions have an option for privacy during which you can talk to the doctor alone if necessary. You can also be referred to counsellors or other assistance.

How will I know that I am experiencing family violence?

There is more to family violence than physical attacks. Emotional abuse, threats, controlling actions, financial abuse, and isolation from family or friends can all be forms of family violence. When you are scared, controlled, or feel unsafe at home, seeking help might be a good idea.

Getting Help for Family Violence During Pregnancy

It can make a lot of difference to know that there is help available and where to go for it when a woman faces family violence during pregnancy. There is no need to walk the path of safety alone because there are various sources of support for such a situation.

Taking Immediate Steps When There Is a Threat

In case there is an immediate threat, it is necessary to seek a safe place and contact trustworthy relatives, health-care professionals, or local authorities. Some actions can be taken immediately in this case:

Seeking a safe place (a room in the house, a neighbour's apartment, or some other place)
Contacting a trustworthy relative or a friend who will be able to give immediate help
Contacting local authorities in case of an immediate threat of harm
Contacting a doctor or a hospital, which can provide medical assistance and a place to stay safe

Support From a Gynaecologist

Even a gynaecologist will be able to assess the mother and baby, document injuries when necessary, and give them medical support and link them up to counselling.Dr Soumya Lakshmi T V, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

This support involves many aspects at the same time. It includes checking up on the state of the mother and the child. Documenting the injuries might become useful in the future for legal reasons if that is the route chosen by the woman. Medical treatment goes hand in hand with this kind of support, and the link up to other services gives women access to an even wider net of support than just that from a single appointment.

None of this necessitates that the woman has already made up her mind about anything. This support is available at any point in time.

where to get help for abuse during pregnancy2

Developing a Greater Support Network

Apart from safety and immediate healthcare services, other support services include:

A person within your family or someone close to you who knows about the situation and can visit you from time to time
Counselling services to help you in emotional healing
Legal services that would help women understand what can be done
Local support services, including one-stop centres that are being established in many Indian states, that offer medical, legal, and counselling services under one roof

Building a greater support network is a gradual process and does not require everything to be set up at once. Even having one person who is trustworthy makes a great difference.

Safety and Growth, Together

Providing care for a pregnant woman does not mean only keeping track of the fetus’ development. The security of the woman and her good health play an equally important role, because a woman’s security directly impacts the course of pregnancy.

The recognition of the problem and proper assistance may become the way out to ensure better security in the future. A single talk with a professional doctor can be just the start of the process.

When Should a Doctor Be Consulted?

The doctor should be involved in any of the following situations:

There was some kind of injury, either a new one or an old one that a woman would like to assess
There is a need for medical help along with help to deal with an unsafe situation at home
Advice on how to find counselling or legal services is sought
There is a need to talk confidentially about what is going on at home
It is not clear what action should be taken next

The gynaecologist can provide medical assistance and the beginning of the help needed without a woman having to have all the information before seeking help.

No woman who experiences family violence during her pregnancy should handle the situation alone. There are reliable people, doctors, and special services for precisely such cases.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Where to Turn: Getting Help for Family Violence During Pregnancy

Is it possible to seek help without leaving the relationship right away?
Yes, one can seek medical assistance, counselling or just information without having to decide anything about the relationship immediately.
Is it okay to inform my doctor if I am being abused?
Yes. Doctors are trained to have such a discussion. Many antenatal sessions have an option for privacy during which you can talk to the doctor alone if necessary. You can also be referred to counsellors or other assistance.
How will I know that I am experiencing family violence?
There is more to family violence than physical attacks. Emotional abuse, threats, controlling actions, financial abuse, and isolation from family or friends can all be forms of family violence. When you are scared, controlled, or feel unsafe at home, seeking help might be a good idea.