Rachael Natoli experienced physical, emotional, and financial abuse throughout her relationship, which escalated during her pregnancy with twins in 2012. Natoli met her ex-partner while on holiday in Australia in 2007. Soon after moving in together, the cycle of abuse began, characterized not only by physical violence but also by coercive control.

Despite an initial period of separation, she allowed him back into their family home when she was five-and-a-half months pregnant, believing that civil co-parenting was essential for their children.

The abuse returned during their holiday, compounded by the pressures associated with pregnancy.

Natoli recounted an incident where, while preparing for the arrival of their children, her partner physically assaulted her in front of painters working in their home.

As her due date approached, Natoli expressed fear about what would transpire once the twins were born.

She felt isolated and unable to reach out for support, even when a hospital social worker became involved after she gave birth in December 2012. The fear of losing her children hindered her from disclosing the abuse.

Statistics indicate that domestic violence (DV) during pregnancy is a significant concern.

Research suggests that women may be at increased risk of violence from an intimate partner during pregnancy and after childbirth.

A 2015 report revealed that 42% of women who experienced violence from a partner during a relationship reported such incidents occurring during pregnancy, with 17% of those women experiencing violence for the first time while pregnant.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021-2022 Personal Safety Survey found that approximately 791,100 women faced partner violence while living together during pregnancy.

According to health experts, particularly young and Indigenous women are at higher risk of experiencing DV during this vulnerable time.

The underlying issues of power and control are often exacerbated by traditional gender roles, leading to heightened violence during pregnancy when some perpetrators may feel a sense of losing control.

Support systems for pregnant women facing domestic violence vary, but health care professionals are regarded as critical points of contact.

Routine screening for domestic violence is integrated into many public health systems as part of antenatal care.

Mandated family violence screenings occur across several Australian states and territories.

Innovative approaches, including digital screening tools, have been implemented in some areas, allowing for greater confidentiality and comfort during disclosures.

The Centre of Perinatal Excellence designed a tool to facilitate family violence screening during health consultations, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment in which pregnant individuals can feel safe to disclose abuse.

Despite these systems in place, access to support is complicated for many, particularly for migrant women.

Barriers such as lack of familiarity with local resources, fear of losing children, and the absence of a support network contribute to this complexity.

Women who migrate often find themselves in isolation, making them particularly vulnerable to the dynamics of domestic violence.

Experts note the necessity of consistent and effective training for healthcare professionals to spot signs of domestic violence, especially when cultural differences may inhibit patients from recognizing or disclosing their situations.

Comprehensive intervention strategies are being called for to increase response efficacy at healthcare facilities and other frontline services.

Overall, the addressing of domestic violence within the context of pregnancy is crucial not only for the well-being of mothers but also for the long-term health of their children.