Domestic violence is a serious public health problem with lasting and harmful effects to individuals, families, and communities. It occurs here in Beaufort County and we are fortunate to have a facility such as Ruth’s House to provide shelter and support for its victims. The Beaufort County Health Department promotes efforts to decrease the impact of domestic violence locally. One way is by screening for domestic violence among those receiving health services with us.

Domestic violence is more common than any other health problem among women during pregnancy. Women who are hurt or threatened by their partner while pregnant have a higher chance of injury to the uterus, miscarriage, stillbirth or premature baby. Violence also increases the baby’s risk of low birth weight, feeding difficulty, sleep problems and developmental delays.

Women living under the cloud of domestic violence are less likely to make informed choices leading to improved health outcomes for themselves and their families.  The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. There are four main types of intimate partner violence:

Physical violence is the intentional use of physical force with the potential for causing death, disability, injury, or harm.

Sexual violence is divided into three categories: 1) use of physical force to compel a person to engage in a sexual act against his or her will; 2) attempted or completed sex act involving a person who is unable to understand the nature of the act, to decline participation, or to communicate unwillingness to participate, e.g., because of illness, disability, or the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or because of intimidation or pressure; and 3) abusive sexual contact.

Threats of physical or sexual violence use words, gestures, or weapons to communicate the intent to cause death, disability, injury, or physical harm.

Psychological/emotional violence involves trauma to the victim caused by acts, threats of acts, or coercive tactics. In addition, stalking is often included among the types of IPV. Stalking generally refers to “harassing or threatening behavior that an individual engages in repeatedly, such as following a person, appearing at a person’s home or place of business, making harassing phone calls, leaving written messages or objects, or vandalizing a person’s property.

Community engagement by all can make a positive difference.

Carol Kinnion, RN, is a Ruth’s House board member, the director of nursing at Beaufort County Health Department and a lifelong resident of Beaufort County.