WOMEN’S ISSUES


 

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse or aggression in romantic relationships. IPV can range from a single, impactful episode of violence, to severe episodes recurring over months and years.

 
 
    1. 1 in 3 women report having experienced severe physical IPV in their lifetimes.

    2. 36% of New Jersey women reportedly experience intimate partner physical violence, rape and/or stalking in their lifetimes.

    3. 1 in 5 U.S. homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner.

    4. Approximately 20% of IPV survivors report a new onset of psychiatric concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse.

    5. IPV accounted for 20% of all violent crime in the U.S. in 2018.

    6. Approximately 1 in 5 homicides of children aged 2-14 are related to IPV.

    7. Domestic violence accounted for 14% of New Jersey’s total homicides in 2016.

    8. An estimated 51% of Black adult female homicides are related to IPV.

    9. Sexual and gender-minority youth are at greater risk for experiencing sexual and physical dating violence.

    10. 75% of female IPV survivors experience some form of injury related to IPV.

  • Intimate partner violence is not limited to physical aggression. Types of IPV can include:

    • Physical Abuse
      Hurting or trying to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, biting, pinching, grabbing, choking, burning, shoving, or using other kinds of physical force. It also includes actions such as throwing things, banging doors, or punching walls.

    • Sexual Abuse
      Forcing or attempting to force a partner to engage in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) without their consent. It also includes any sexual contact between an adult and a partner under 18.

    • Stalking
      A pattern of unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or safety concerns. Stalking can include following them, phoning repeatedly, mailing letters or gifts, or spying on them at home or work.

    • Psychological Abuse
      Verbal or non-verbal communication intended to mentally or emotionally harm and/or exert control over a partner, like terrorizing the person, playing mind games, or threatening harm.

    • Financial Abuse
      Controlling finances, withholding access to money, or tracking one’s spending. It can include preventing a partner from working, studying, or becoming financially independent.

    • Online Abuse
      Using email, social media, dating apps, or other digital platforms to threaten, harass, stalk, abuse, bully, or manipulate an intimate partner.

 

 

MISCARRIAGE

Miscarriage (also called early pregnancy loss) is when an embryo or fetus dies in the womb before the 20th week of pregnancy. Depression, anxiety, and an intense period of emotional distress can be common as one grieves their loss.

 
 
    1. Approximately 10%-15% of confirmed pregnancies result in miscarriage.

    2. Weeks 0-6 mark the highest risk of miscarriage.

    3. People experience a range of emotions following miscarriage, like grief, anger, guilt, relief, shock, and anger. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

    4. The emotional impact following miscarriage can be felt immediately, or even several weeks later.

    5. Doctors don't always know what causes one, but a miscarriage is not caused by shock, stress, or minor injuries like slipping and falling.

    6. The most common sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, which can vary from light spotting to heavy bleeding, and may last over several days.

    7. Repeat miscarriages (two or more in a row) occur in about 1% of women, and most go on to have a successful pregnancy. But, the more miscarriages a woman has, the more likely she has another.

    8. A miscarriage can have a profound emotional impact on a partner, friends and family as well.

    9. Periods should return within 4 to 8 weeks of a miscarriage, but it may take a few months to establish a regular cycle.

    10. Waiting 6 months following miscarriage before conceiving again is suggested to allow time for physical and mental recovery.

  • Some risk factors that may increase one’s likelihood for early pregnancy loss include:

    • having two or more previous miscarriages

    • being 35 or older

    • smoking, drinking alcohol, or using other harmful substances

    • being exposed to hazardous chemicals, like paint thinner

    • autoimmune disorders such as APS and lupus

    • obesity, or a BMI of 30 or higher

    • hormone problems, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and luteal phase defect

    • preexisting diabetes

    • thyroid problems, like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

  • Signs of mental and physical distress following miscarriage can include:

    • numbness

    • disbelief

    • anger

    • guilt

    • sadness

    • depression

    • difficulty concentrating

    • fatigue

    • trouble sleeping

    • difficulty concentrating

    • loss of appetite

    • frequent episodes of crying

    • broken or suffering relationships with loved ones

    • self-harm/suicidal attempts or ideations

  • Important Facts About Miscarriage
    Medically reviewed data concerning miscarriage and pregnancy loss, featuring useful facts to consider.

    From Hurt to Healing
    An informative booklet to help cope with grief after miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a baby.

    March of Dimes Facebook Community
    A supportive online space where you can share your story and connect with others.

    Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support
    Serves anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby with virtual/in-person support, resource packets, etc.

    Centering
    A nonprofit providing education for the bereaved, with over 500 grief resources for children and adults.

    Tommy’s
    A broad look at common emotions felt after a miscarriage that describes helpful coping strategies.

 

 

ABORTION

An abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. Women may experience a spectrum of emotions following an abortion, ranging from sadness, anger, and regret to guilt, shame or relief.

 
 
    1. About 1 in 4 women in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they’re 45 years old.

    2. Abortion does not cause mental health problems.

    3. Worldwide, 25 million unsafe abortions take place annually.

    4. Over half of U.S. women who had an abortion reported using birth control during the month they became pregnant.

    5. Abortion is a safe medical procedure, and the risk of death during childbirth is 14 times higher.

    6. Abortion rates in countries that ban them are about the same as in places where they’re legal.

    7. Only 1% of abortions occur after 21 weeks.

    8. A wanted abortion does not cause significant psychological problems, but a forced pregnancy can affect physical and mental health.

    9. Women may feel a delayed sense of sadness, with symptoms first appearing usually within 4 months up to a year from the procedure.

    10. More than half of the women who get abortions already have children.

  • No Waiting Period
    New Jersey does not require you to attend a counseling session or go through a waiting period before getting an abortion.

    Parental Involvement Not Required
    Parental involvement is not required in New Jersey. If you're younger than 18, you can consent to an abortion and do not have to notify your parents.

    No Limit On Pregnancy Stage
    There is no law limiting the availability of abortion based on how far along in pregnancy you are. Check with each abortion provider to find out what their limits are.

  • Tips for coping with feeling depressed after abortion:

    1. Talk to your loved ones.
      Confide in a friend or family member who can help you get rid of any negative feelings and relieve stress.

    2. Don’t isolate yourself.
      Isolating yourself can worsen your condition. Try to stay connected with your loved ones and do not spend too much time alone.

    3. Try counseling.
      A therapist can help you to overcome negative feelings, teaching you skills that help you to stay calm, and improve your quality of life.

    4. Don’t let anyone pressure you.
      Avoid getting pressured by your friends, family, or partner to choose one way or the other. This decision is ultimately yours and yours alone.

    5. Self-care is everything.
      After an abortion, eat well, exercise, get enough rest, and try to de-stress. Anxiety and depression affect your health, so talk to someone about it.

  • AbortionFinder.org
    Directory of verified abortion providers across the United States.

    New Jersey Abortion Laws
    State-specific information on current abortion regulations.

    Exhale Pro-Voice
    Textline that offers peer counseling for people who have had abortions and their loved ones.

    Planned Parenthood
    Partners with 600+ sexual and reproductive health care centers nationwide.

    National Abortion Federation
    Provides referrals, case management, and financial assistance for people seeking abortions.

    National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda
    Focused the fight to secure reproductive justice for all Black women, femmes, and girls.

    * Avoid “crisis pregnancy centers,” which promote misinformation intended to discourage people from getting abortions. One study found that 80% of crisis pregnancy center websites contained false or misleading information.