Barmore’s Assault Allegations: Rights of Pregnant Victims in Domestic Violence Cases

The recent allegations against New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore, accused of assaulting the mother of his child while she was pregnant, shine a spotlight on the critical issue of domestic violence and its impact on pregnant women. According to the CDC, approximately 6% of individuals with a recent live birth experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence during pregnancy by a current intimate partner. This article aims to provide information about the rights and resources available to pregnant victims of domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and protection.

Understanding Domestic Violence During Pregnancy

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. Pregnancy can be a trigger for domestic abuse, with some women experiencing abuse for the first time during this period, while existing abuse may escalate.

Several factors can contribute to the initiation or escalation of domestic violence during pregnancy:

Unplanned pregnancy: A partner may become upset or stressed due to an unplanned pregnancy.
Financial stress: The added financial burden of a child can create tension and lead to abuse.
Jealousy: A partner may feel jealous or insecure about the attention shifting from them to the new baby.
Control: Abusers may seek to control a pregnant woman’s reproductive choices or isolate her from support networks.

The Unique Risks Faced by Pregnant Victims

Pregnant women experiencing domestic violence face unique risks that can affect both their health and the health of their unborn child. These risks include:

Increased violence: Abuse may become more frequent and severe during pregnancy, with the pregnant woman more likely to be struck on the abdomen or experience multiple sites of injury.
Obstetric complications: Domestic violence during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of obstetric complications, such as hypertension, premature rupture of membranes, and anemia.
Preterm delivery and low birth weight: Studies have shown a link between domestic violence and preterm deliveries, as well as low-birth-weight babies.
Perinatal death: Women who experience IPV during pregnancy are about three times more likely to suffer perinatal death than women who do not experience IPV.
Mental health issues: Experiencing violence during pregnancy can lead to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation.
Inadequate prenatal care: Abused women are more likely to delay or miss prenatal care appointments, leading to poor nutrition, inadequate weight gain, and increased rates of smoking, alcohol, and substance use.

Legal Rights and Protections for Pregnant Victims

Pregnant victims of domestic violence have several legal rights and protections available to them:

Restraining Orders: A victim can seek a Protective Order (also known as a restraining order) to keep the abuser away from them, their home, workplace, and children.
Criminal Charges: Assault and battery against a family or household member is a crime, and the abuser can be arrested and prosecuted. In some states, violence against a pregnant woman may result in elevated charges and penalties.
Pregnant Woman’s Protection Act: Some states have enacted laws, based on the Americans United for Life’s model, that explicitly expand the affirmative defense of “defense of others” to include instances where a woman uses force to protect her unborn child.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): This federal law provides legal protections to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including protections related to housing.
Housing Protections: Several jurisdictions have enacted laws specifically indicating that domestic violence victims are protected from housing discrimination.
Workplace Protection: Some state laws specifically protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the workplace.

Practical Advice for Pregnant Victims of Domestic Violence

If you are a pregnant woman experiencing domestic violence, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby:

Recognize the Abuse: Acknowledge that you are in an abusive relationship. Abuse, whether emotional or physical, is never okay.
Prioritize Safety: If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.
Seek Medical Attention: If you have been physically injured, seek medical attention immediately. Obtain a copy of the police or medical record should you choose to file charges against the abuser.
Confide in Someone You Trust: Tell a trusted friend, family member, healthcare provider, or counselor about the abuse.
Develop a Safety Plan: Create a plan for how to escape if you feel threatened. This may include identifying a safe place to go, packing a bag with essential items, and having a code word to signal for help.
Gather Important Documents: Put together extra cash and any important documents or items you might need, such as a driver’s license, health insurance cards, a checkbook, bank account information, Social Security cards, and prescription medications.
Seek Legal Assistance: Contact a domestic violence organization or attorney to understand your legal rights and options.
Consider a Protective Order: If appropriate, seek a Protective Order to keep the abuser away from you.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all incidents of abuse, including dates, times, and descriptions of what happened. Take photos of any injuries.
Access Community Resources: Connect with local programs that help meet the needs of pregnant women and new moms. These programs offer resources including food and baby items, like cribs.

Resources for Pregnant Victims of Domestic Violence

There are numerous resources available to help pregnant victims of domestic violence:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. Provides confidential crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals to local resources.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746. Offers free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support, resources, and referrals to pregnant and postpartum individuals facing mental health challenges.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE. Provides support and resources for survivors of sexual assault.
Local Domestic Violence Shelters: Offer safe housing, counseling, and support services.
Legal Aid Organizations: Provide free or low-cost legal assistance to victims of domestic violence.
Hospitals and Healthcare Providers: Can provide medical care, counseling, and referrals to other resources.
Community-Based Advocacy Programs: Offer support, advocacy, and resources to victims of domestic violence.

The Role of Healthcare Providers and Law Enforcement

Healthcare providers and law enforcement play a crucial role in identifying and assisting pregnant victims of domestic violence. They should:

Screen for Domestic Violence: Routinely screen pregnant women for domestic violence during prenatal care appointments.
Provide Referrals: Offer referrals to community-based advocacy programs and other resources.
Offer Support and Education: Provide support, education, and safety planning assistance to victims.
Enforce the Law: Law enforcement officers should take domestic violence seriously and enforce the law to protect victims.
Train on Domestic Violence: Provide core training and ongoing training on Intimate Partner Violence, sexual coercion, and stalking.

Conclusion

The allegations against Christian Barmore serve as a stark reminder of the prevalence and severity of domestic violence, particularly against pregnant women. It is essential for pregnant victims to know their rights, seek help, and prioritize their safety and the safety of their unborn child. By raising awareness, providing resources, and holding abusers accountable, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for pregnant women experiencing domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the resources listed above.