Domestic Violence in Pregnancy
Domestic abuse can and does have a serious impact on the health and wellbeing of Mothers and their babies/children.
Pregnancy should be an exciting and special time in a woman’s life. However, for women who are experiencing domestic abuse, this may not be the case.
Pregnancy or the period immediately after having a baby can be a trigger for women to experience domestic abuse for the first time or for existing domestic abuse to get worse.
You are not alone and are never to blame for someone else’s abuse.
If you or a woman you know are experiencing domestic abuse, please be aware that there is specialist care available to you in the Medical Social Work Department.
The role of the Medical Social Worker specialising in domestic abuse includes the provision of practical and emotional support to women.
This includes the following:
Useful Links
Find further information and support from trusted organisations.
Womens Aid Get help – Women’s Aid (womensaid.ie)
HSE https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/support/domestic-violence-abuse/
Too Into You https://www.toointoyou.ie/
Barnardos Impact of DV on Children https://www.barnardos.org.uk/children-affected-domestic-violence https://shop.barnardos.ie/search?q=domestic+abuse&type=product
Video on DV in pregnancy – https://www.womensaid.ie/what-is-abuse/real-stories/jane/
Contact Details
Email: socialworkadmin@nmh.ie
Phone: 01 6373236
Any professional working in the Hospital can make a referral. You are also welcome to contact us directly yourself.