47% Of Pregnant Women Reported Abuse By Partners In 2021

A study conducted at Mater Dei Hospital’s Perinatal Mental Health Clinic found that 47% (n=40) of 85 pregnant women reported experiencing psychological, verbal, physical or sexual abuse by their intimate partner during pregnancy.

Most of the abused participants (78%) experienced more than one type of abuse.

Verbal abuse was reported by 42% (n=36) and psychological abuse by 39% (n=33).

Malta Medical Journal

Common forms included being made to feel bad (35%), being humiliated in front of others (24%), and being deliberately intimidated or scared (25%). Nine women (11%) reported threats of harm, with most saying this happened repeatedly.

Psychological control included partners becoming angry when women spoke to other men (24%), insisting on knowing their whereabouts (22%), restricting finances (20%), limiting contact with friends or family (13%), and expecting permission for healthcare (12%).

Physical abuse was reported by 13% (n=11). This included pushing, shoving, or hair-pulling (12%), and being slapped or having objects thrown at them (9%).

Five women were kicked, dragged or beaten; four were punched, two in the abdomen. Two were choked or burnt, and one was threatened with a weapon.

Sexual abuse included nine women (11%) who had sex out of fear of their partner’s reaction, five who were forced into intercourse, and six who were forced into degrading acts.

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