Domestic abuse in pregnancy - how to cope with bereavement grief

Domestic abuse during pregnancy: One in four women experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives. This may be physical, emotional or psychological abuse. Of this, 30% starts in pregnancy, and existing abuse may get worse during pregnancy or after giving birth. Domestic abuse during pregnancy puts a pregnant woman and her unborn child in danger. It increases the risk of miscarriage, infection, premature birth, low birth rate, fetal injury and fetal death. Domestic abuse should not be tolerated.

If you are pregnant and being abused, there is help available.

You can speak in confidence to your GP, midwife, obstetrician, health visitor or social worker. Or call the confidential National Domestic Violence Helpline.

Help and support

For advices and support call the free phone, 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Refuge and Women’s Aid

Coping with bereavement during pregnancy   

The death of someone you love can turn your world upside down, and is one of the most difficult experiences to deal with. This may be harder to cope with if you are pregnant or have just had a baby.

Family and friends can help you by spending time with you.

A sympathetic arm around the shoulders can express love and support when words are not enough.

Grief is not just one feeling but a whole succession of feelings, which take time to get through and which cannot be hurried. If you need help or advice, contact your GP or midwife.

Coping with husband’s death   

If your partner dies during your pregnancy or soon after childbirth, you will feel emotionally numb.

It may not be something that you get over – more something that you eventually learn to live with.

Don’t be afraid to lean on your family and friends. If your partner was going to be with you at the birth, you will need to think about who will be with you instead.

Try to choose someone who knows you very well.

Financially, you may need urgent advice and support. You can get the recommended leaflets from your local Jobcentre Plus.

As well as speaking to friends, family and social services, you may like to contact Cruse.

Benefits if husband dies  

The following leaflets are produced by the Department for Work and Pensions:

• What to do after a death in England and Wales (DWP1027)

• The Social Fund (DWP1007)

• A guide to the Social Fund (SB16)

• Having a baby (DWP1031)

Get more advices about the following:

• Income Support

• Housing Benefit

• Working Tax Credit

• Council Tax Benefit

• Child Benefit

• Child Tax Credit

• If you were married and your partner worked, you may be entitled to Widowed Parent’s Allowance, based on your partner’s National Insurance contributions.

• If you were not married, you will not be classed as a widow and will therefore be dependent on your private arrangements, on Income Support or on Working Tax Credit.

• If you are on a low income you may be able to get some help with the funeral expenses from the Social Fund. It is always worth talking to your undertaker or religious adviser to see if they can help.

For more advices, contact your local Jobcentre Plus