http://www.acog.org/from_home/spotlight/spotlight2001-12.cfm The majority of people who experience child abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or elder abuse are women. Indeed, physical, sexual, and emotional violence against women is increasingly recognized as important clinical and public health issues.
Millions of women are physically, sexually, or emotionally abused every year, often by someone they know and love — their husband or partner. It happens to women of all ages, races, religions, income and educational levels, and sexual orientation.
Abuse can begin or get worse during pregnancy — nearly 1 in 6 pregnant women is abused by her partner.
Talking about your situation is the first step towards ending the abuse. As difficult as this may be, you can start by discussing it with your ob-gyn. Your ob-gyn is there to help.
If you are threatened or assaulted and need emergency help, call 911. National 24-hour toll-free hotline numbers: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and 1-800-787-3224 (TDD).