A Statement from Peace House
Peace House is dedicated to ending interpersonal violence and abuse and empowering survivors to heal and thrive by providing safe housing, support services and prevention education. Interpersonal violence occurs when one person uses power and control over another person through physical, sexual, or emotional threats or actions, economic control, isolation, or other kinds of coercive behavior.
Victims of interpersonal violence often experience increased abuse during pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in the United States. One in six abused women is first abused during pregnancy. Many abusive partners go so far as to weaponize a partner’s bodily autonomy and reproductive choices by tactics such as birth control sabotage and forced pregnancy.
Peace House is committed to empowering survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and supporting their right to bodily autonomy. Survivors thrive by taking control over their lives and choices, including making the legal and medical decisions that best support their safety, health and well-being.
If you or someone you know has experienced interpersonal violence and/or sexual assault,
please call the Peace House 24/7 HELPLINE at 1-800-647-9161.