with Dr. Nancy Downing.

In this video, Dr. Nancy Downing, PHD, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, FAAN, discusses domestic violence.

Transcript

This is Dr. Downing, a forensic faculty member here at Texas A&M School of Nursing. Today’s topic will be about domestic violence. 

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence refers to abuse that occurs between people who are in or have been in an intimate partner or romantic relationship. It can involve physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse. It can include financial or sexual abuse, or stalking. 

Is it more likely for domestic violence to occur during pregnancy?

Some statistics suggest that domestic violence, if it’s present in a relationship, may be more likely to happen during pregnancy, although in other relationships where abuse has been present, pregnancy may be a honeymoon time for people. Although pregnancy can be a really exciting time for couples, it can also be a very stressful time, and that stress can make abuse more likely to occur. 

What type of impact does domestic violence have on a person’s mental health or on the pregnancy itself?

Domestic violence is a healthcare issue. It’s unfortunately associated with a lot of health outcomes. For example, women who are in relationships where domestic violence is present are at risk for more mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or self harm and substance use. In pregnancy, domestic violence can increase a woman’s risk for not gaining enough weight during her pregnancy or not being able to take as good care of herself and her growing baby as she would like to. It’s also been associated with a higher risk for preterm birth and for low birth weight and other birth complications. It’s also unfortunately associated with higher risk for postpartum depression for moms. 

Thank you. We appreciate you coming out here today and answering your questions. You’re welcome.