Domestic Violence and Abuse in Pregnancy: Exploring Disclosure, Non-disclosure and Conflict Resolution Strategies in South-South, Nigeria
This mixed-methods study conducted in South-South Nigeria reveals that domestic violence and abuse are highly prevalent among pregnant women, with psychological abuse being most common, and identifies concerns for children's wellbeing as the primary barrier to disclosure, prompting a reliance on parental support for conflict resolution.
Original paper licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This is an AI-generated explanation of the paper below. It is not written or endorsed by the authors. For technical accuracy, refer to the original paper. Read full disclaimer
Every year, millions of women around the world carry the heavy burden of domestic violence, a pattern of harmful behavior that occurs within intimate relationships. This includes physical aggression, sexual coercion, and psychological control, all of which can inflict deep bodily and emotional wounds. The problem is particularly acute during pregnancy, a time when a woman's body is changing and her emotional vulnerability often increases. While global health organizations have long recognized this as a critical public health issue, the reality on the ground remains stark: many women suffer in silence. In many parts of the world, cultural norms, fear of social judgment, and financial dependence create a wall that prevents victims from speaking out. Understanding why women choose to stay silent, and what they do to survive when they cannot leave, is essential for anyone hoping to protect mothers and their unborn children.
In the South-South region of Nigeria, a team of researchers set out to uncover the hidden realities of this silence. They focused their study on 1,720 pregnant women visiting primary health care centers in Bayelsa and Rivers States. Over a six-month period, the team gathered information using a mix of written surveys and personal interviews. They asked the women about their experiences with physical and psychological abuse, how often these incidents occurred, and, crucially, whether they had told anyone about the violence. For those who had suffered abuse, the researchers wanted to know why they kept it secret and who they turned to for help when they finally decided to speak up. The goal was not just to count the victims, but to understand the complex web of fear, shame, and family loyalty that shapes their choices.
The findings revealed a disturbingly high prevalence of violence. More than half of the women surveyed reported experiencing physical abuse, while nearly seven out of ten said they had suffered psychological abuse, such as insults, threats, or being made to feel worthless. These incidents were not rare, isolated events; for many, they happened frequently. Despite the severity of the situation, the majority of these women did not disclose their suffering to healthcare providers or formal authorities. When asked why they remained silent, the most common reason given was a deep concern for their children's well-being. Nearly half of the participants said they feared that speaking out would harm their children, either by breaking up the family or by provoking further violence. Shame and embarrassment were the next most common reasons, followed by a fear of what the abuser might do if he found out she had talked.
The study also explored the coping mechanisms these women used when they could not escape the abuse. The results painted a clear picture of where these women sought safety. Instead of turning to the police or national hotlines, which are often seen as formal and distant, the vast majority turned to their own families. Nearly two-thirds of the women who experienced abuse said they relied on their parents for support and guidance. Only a small fraction sought help from the police or anonymous helplines. This preference for family intervention is rooted in the local culture, where marriage is often viewed as a union between two families rather than just two individuals. In this context, resolving marital conflict is seen as a family affair, and turning to elders is a traditional way to manage crises without losing face or inviting social ostracization.
The researchers noted that the women who participated were often young, with the largest group falling between the ages of 18 and 24. Many had limited formal education, which can sometimes make it harder to access support systems or understand one's legal rights. However, the study made it clear that abuse does not discriminate based on education or social status; it affects women across all backgrounds. The fear of social judgment was a powerful force, with many women feeling that the community would blame them for the violence rather than the abuser. This fear, combined with the financial reality that many women depend on their partners for survival, creates a situation where silence feels like the only option for safety.
Ultimately, this research highlights that the silence surrounding domestic violence during pregnancy is not a simple lack of information or courage. It is a complex survival strategy shaped by cultural expectations, economic constraints, and a fierce desire to protect one's children. The data suggests that current efforts to help these women may be missing the mark if they rely solely on formal institutions like the police or hospitals. Instead, the findings point to the need for interventions that respect and work within the family structure, empowering parents and community leaders to become the first line of defense. By understanding that these women are often choosing their families over the law as a way to cope, healthcare providers and policymakers can begin to design support systems that are both culturally sensitive and genuinely effective in breaking the cycle of violence.
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