A recent study from the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that pregnant women (or recently pregnant women) were more likely to become victims of domestic violence that resulted in their death. The study also found this link to be stronger in states with limited access to abortions and suggested that medical professionals need to do a better job when screening for intimate partner violence in their pregnant patients. An increase in intimate partner violence screenings could result in more domestic violence criminal charges.

If your pregnant or recently pregnant partner decides to press domestic violence charges against you, your close relationship to them could lead to more serious criminal penalties. This is why it's important to hire a defense attorney with many years of experience handling domestic and intimate partner violence charges. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team online or call us at 888-535-3686.

Pregnant Women at Higher Risk of Domestic Violence

The researchers examined more than 9,000 homicides involving women aged 12 to 50 who were pregnant or died within one year postpartum. They found that women who were pregnant or recently pregnant (peripartum) had roughly a 14% higher chance of dying as a result of intimate partner violence.

Abortion Restrictions Increase Risk of Peripartum Homicide

The risk of homicide to pregnant women was even higher in states categorized as being restrictive to pregnant women seeking abortions. Peripartum women in these states had a 75% higher rate of being killed. Deaths of peripartum women were highest in Louisiana, Missouri, and Nevada. Louisiana and Missouri were categorized in the study as restrictive to abortion while the study considered Nevada as protective of abortion rights.

Stopping the Domestic Violence

To address these risks, the study's authors noted that medical professionals can use special screening tests to identify patients at risk of domestic violence. However, these medical professionals lacked the training on what to do next if their screenings found a potential victim of intimate partner violence.

Domestic Violence Charges in New Jersey Need Immediate Action

In New Jersey, domestic violence is an especially serious criminal offense. This can result in not just increased criminal penalties, but a faster-moving legal process. In other words, you have less time to mount a legal defense. Before you know it, you could find yourself in jail, subject to a restraining order, losing a professional license, or losing custody of your children or visitation rights.

If you're facing any type of domestic violence charge, it's imperative that you get in touch with the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. You can call us at 888-535-3686 or use the online contact form. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you get through the New Jersey court process and find the best possible resolution for your case.