ABUSE

HAVING A BABY IS A LIFE CHANGING EVENT THAT CAN IMPACT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND CAUSE RELATIONSHIP ISSUES HOWEVER WITH SUPPORT AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT IT CAN IMPROVE

There are many forms of abuse and it is not your fault. There is a range of support and treatments available including free support services at the bottom of the page. Dealing with abuse or seeking support does not mean you’re a bad parent.

SIGNS OF

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Belittling you or putting you down
Isolating you from your family and friends
Blaming for the abuse or arguments
Stopping you going out
Making unreasonable demands for your attention
Accusing you of flirting or having affairs
Monitoring your social media
Telling you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think
Controlling your possessions and money
Tracking and monitoring your locations
Denying that abuse is happening, or making it seem as though it’s not that bad

SIGNS OF

THREATS AND INTIMIDATION

Changing your behaviour because you’re afraid of what your partner might do
Destroying things that belong to you
Threatening to hurt or kill you
Standing over you and invading your personal space
Threatening to kill themselves or your children
Reading your emails, texts or letters
Harassing or following you

SIGNS OF

PHYSCIAL ABUSE

Throwing things near or at you
Squeezing or restraining you
Pulling your hair
Spitting at you
Scratching or hurting you
Pushing or shoving you
Slapping, hitting or punching you
Biting or kicking you
Burning you
Choking you or holding you down

If someone physically assaults you or you are scared for your life call 999 and ask for help

SIGNS OF

SEXUAL ABUSE

Touching you in a way you do not want to be touched
Making unwanted sexual demands
Hurting you during sex
Pressuring you to have sex
Not using protection if you when you asked them to

If anyone has sex with you when you do not want to, it is classed as rape, even if that person is your partner. It is not your fault if you’re sexually abused and there is people that can help

ABUSE IN PREGNANCY

1 in 3 cases of domestic violence and abuse cases against women start during pregnancy. If the relationship is already abusive, it can get worse. If you decide to leave make sure you are prepared

Domestic abuse during pregnancy can affect the development of the baby and puts you and your unborn child in danger due to the risk of miscarriage, infection, premature birth, injury or death.