Domestic violence during pregnancy can leave more than physical scars
Parkland expert explains emotional warning signs, how to offer support
Domestic violence during pregnancy can affect more than physical health. Emotional abuse, including humiliation, isolation and controlling behavior, can contribute to anxiety, depression and fear, even when there are no visible signs.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a Parkland Health expert is encouraging people to recognize warning signs and help connect those experiencing abuse with the support they may need during pregnancy and after childbirth.
About 5.4% of women reported experiencing intimate partner violence during pregnancy, according to a survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2016 and 2022. Emotional abuse was reported more frequently than physical and sexual abuse.
“Oftentimes, people think domestic violence is purely physical,” said Alejandra M. Esparza, LPC, LCDC, EMDR Certified, a Mental Health Counselor in the Parkland Women and Infants’ Specialty Health (WISH) Clinic. “The truth is, it can also be emotional and mental, including humiliating a partner or controlling what they do.”
Esparza said changes in a person’s mental health and behavior may be signs that someone needs support. Possible warning signs include:
• Feeling anxious or depressed: Increased anxiety, sadness or fear.
• Pulling away from others: Spending less time with friends and family or becoming more isolated and reserved.
• Feeling unheard: Expressing that they don’t feel listened to or that their concerns aren’t being taken seriously.
• Feeling controlled: Feeling that a partner is dictating decisions for them about their finances, medical care and social life.
• Changes in behavior: Acting differently than usual, particularly when talking about their relationship or home life.
These changes do not necessarily mean someone is experiencing abuse, but there can be reasons to check in privately and offer support.
Esparza said another often overlooked form of abuse that may be harder to recognize is reproductive coercion. It can include a partner controlling contraception, medical appointments or healthcare decisions. Over time, this type of abuse can affect a woman’s mental health and ability to make decisions about her own healthcare.
If someone suspects a friend or loved one is experiencing abuse, Esparza encourages listening without judgment and avoiding pressure to leave a relationship. Instead, friends and family can ask what support would be helpful, discuss safe options and offer to connect the person with resources.
Parkland‘s Victim Intervention Program (VIP)/Rape Crisis Center provides counseling, assistance with finding emergency shelter, help accessing legal resources and other services at no cost to Dallas County residents.
Esparza said support can make a difference, whether someone is experiencing domestic violence or is concerned about someone they know. She encourages those affected to know that help is available and that they deserve to be heard.
“I always tell people that your voice can be an example for other women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence,” she said. “Your voice matters.”
The VIP Clinic’s Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 214-590-0430. The trauma-informed staff speak English and Spanish.
.png)
Support is also available through local and national resources, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), by texting START to 88788 or visiting www.thehotline.org.
For more information about services offered at the VIP Clinic, visit www.parklandhealth.org/vip-rape-crisis-center.
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
Back