Abuse can happen any time, but it often starts or gets worse during pregnancy. Abuse is when the abuser asserts power and control over another person. Gender-based violence is one term that is often used to describe different types of abuse, including that between romantic partners, family, social circles and others.
Abuse can take many forms, including verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, physical, or financial. Emotional abuse can hurt just as much as physical violence; it can lower self-esteem and cause anxiety or depression. Living in an abusive environment can also lead to physical health problems from constant stress.
If this sounds like something that is happening to you or someone you know, it is important to get help now before the abuse gets worse.
- If you feel like you are in danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
- If you are in a crisis situation, or would like confidential support or information, call the Government of Manitoba’s 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Crisis and Information Line (24 Hour) at 1-877-977-0007 or visit their website, Stop The Violence
Types of abuse
Abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, social, financial and digital (online).
If you are being abused, you may:
- feel sad and alone
- feel scared
- suffer pain and injuries
- lose your baby (miscarry)
- blame yourself
- feel bad about yourself
- turn to drugs, alcohol or food to cope
- develop depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder
- suffer from sleep disorders, eating disorders, panic disorders, substance dependence, antisocial personality disorders, psychosis.
- not have the option to ask your partner to use condoms during sex. This can increase the chance of exposure to a sexually transmitted infection. When pregnant, these types of infections can impact your baby’s health. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, ask your doctor to test you (this testing can happen during pregnancy or at delivery).
If you are being abused, your baby:
- may be born prematurely;
- may be underweight;
- may have health problems.
After birth, your baby may experience violence or see violent acts. Abuse can harm your baby’s emotional well-being and health. Once abuse starts, it usually gets worse. You may feel like you have to “walk on eggshells” in order to keep the peace and stay safe.
Resources
- Safety Planning for People Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence – Government of Manitoba
- Gender Based Violence Program – Women and Gender Equity Manitoba
- Hummingbird – Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Response Program – Klinic Community Health
