The recent Prenatal & Infant Care Network Luncheon addressed the pressing issue of domestic violence, featuring insights from local experts on its impact on public health. The event included speakers from the Center for Nonviolence, YWCA Northeast Indiana, and Jennifer’s Harbor. Discussions highlighted that homicide has emerged as one of the leading causes of death for pregnant and postpartum women in the United States, with pregnant survivors facing increased rates of miscarriage, placental abruption, fetal injury, and adverse mental health outcomes.

The event also shed light on alarming statistics: 45% of Black women and 40% of Black men have experienced sexual, physical, and other forms of violence, including stalking, during their lifetimes. Over 36% of Black women have encountered some form of sexual violence, and more than 22% have reported being raped. Additionally, 30% of survivors of Latine descent and 15% of survivors of Asian descent have experienced domestic and intimate partner violence. Topics such as mandatory reporting and protective orders were also shared, emphasizing the importance of legal protections for survivors.

Moreover, exposure to domestic violence during childhood is recognized as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), significantly increasing the risk for chronic health problems, substance use, and mental illness in adulthood. Even witnessing abuse, without being physically harmed, can cause profound emotional trauma, and early exposure to domestic violence raises the likelihood of intergenerational cycles of abuse.

The luncheon provided critical information and awareness about these issues, as well as the resources available in our community. If you want to learn more about these resources, please visit sjchf.org for further information.