guess you’ve ever been in such a frightening situation.  Throughout the globe, expectant women are subject to a silent yet fierce battle.  Intimate partner violence (IPV) isn't just a problem in one city or country but is in fact widespread.  Being pregnant and facing abuse at the hands of a trusted person is scary. But let me tell you something shocking. Many pregnant women across the globe don't even seek any support.  Unfortunately, in low- and middle-income countries, there's always multiple reason why women aren't able to reach out for help.  The reasons are often multilayered including shame, fear, and lack of resources. When we talk about public health, this is a huge issue.  Researchers have been trying to scratch the surface and understand if pregnant survivors are seeking help from friends, family or formal support systems.

We know that in so many situations help-seeking behaviors have a low prevalence that studies of many pregnant survivors suffering from intimate partner violence are not as extensive. This, especially in countries where resources are limited.  Because of the common stigma associated with IPV, many times those seeking help are not able to get any. Pillar institutions like hospitals and clinics have fallen short in getting the message across to pregnant women so they can come forward and know their rights.  Women in this context of domestic abuse feel pressured into silence.

A new study took a critical look at the data from over 50 countries. To see the wide spectrum of how women seek support.  this study focuses on overt data from the Demographic and Health Surveys.  Informal support is mostly the first to have access, such as friends, family, and community groups as compared to formal support which comprises of anything from counseling services and legal support.

It's important to note that formal help does exist to provide a pathway to safety and freedom.  In countries like USA, shelters and therapeutic services are a huge part of the support network.  However, in some countries it is not the same.  The question remains: why is there a reluctance of pregnant women to approach safeguards?

The study provides an evidence based overview of the various countries where survivors face varied amounts of challenges in IPV situations.  Not only does it point out where intervention and support are lacking but it also looks at the practical implications of trial and error in methods through the years.  This information certainly challenges prior assumptions.  The increasing frequency of intimate partner violence during pregnancy across countries is a chilling fact. Dealt with in many contexts a thought provoking and provocative approach to provide help-seeking behaviors of survivors and the proper support system to stop the violence that is widespread throughout.

Researchers took large steps on the path to understanding the diverse scenarios faced by different women. You may be surprised to know that in India, they tried to set up hotlines but yet it slows down by mistrust of reaching out to people especially to communities of women who have men as primary decision makers in the household.

The study uncovered that, the presence of informal support is crucial in countries.  Giving them the ease to seek out help as they look for a safe space.  Even in communities, women felt more confident to seek help.  Having someone to talk about the psychological trauma to get assistance to help escape a situation that has become a prison.  Women in LMICs face the biggest shortage of help-seeking and this study might be a ray of hope for them.

Research confirmed that formal support may not always be the first go-to option. There are various obstacles that come into play.  One of the major barriers is the lack of financial stability. Using resources from their social circle gives them more autonomy.  Enabling women to feel that they are in control of the situation. It's a really interesting thought and has started new debates among researchers.   Studies show that it is the primary element in propagating a safe space.

The World Health Organization shows that about 29% of women, who are in a relationship or have been in one, have had to endure physical and/or sexual violence.  Governments need to actively work towards eradicating the silent disease.  If these attempts can bring to light the true implications of IPV  let's hope this is the beginning of a new chapter.

It provides a clearer view of what we need to question.  It is important to understand the true reason behind many pregnant women that do not seek the help they deserve.  We should contemplate on a multi-faceted future for this community.  Providing accessible resources and strong support.

Pregnancy and partner violence: Who do women ask?

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