Every pregnancy should begin with safety and hope. Yet for too many in our community, that hope is disrupted by violence, fear, or instability. Violence during pregnancy is one of the most hidden and heartbreaking forms of abuse—one that puts both mothers and infants at serious risk. At YWCA Metro St. Louis, we know that ending violence in pregnancy starts with compassion, awareness, and access to care that meets families where they are.
Research shows that about one in twenty pregnant women nationwide experiences intimate partner violence, and those who do face higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression.[1] In Missouri, the connection between violence, maternal health, and preventable deaths is undeniable. The 2025 Missouri Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review found that violence and mental health challenges remain among the leading causes of maternal deaths—and that 80% of these deaths were preventable.[2]
A 2023 report from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services revealed that homicide was the second leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths in the state, underscoring how urgent it is to protect mothers and families from violence before, during, and after pregnancy.[2] Nationally, research shows that use of firearms and intimate partner violence make homicide one of the top causes of death for pregnant and postpartum women in the United States.[3] These numbers reflect a devastating truth, but they also reveal where change is possible. When survivors have access to trauma-informed care, housing, counseling, and community support, healing can begin.
At YWCA Metro St. Louis, our Crisis Intervention team provides 24-hour crisis hotlines, housing services, counseling, and case management for anyone impacted by domestic or sexual violence. Each call we answer is an opportunity to provide compassion and restore hope.
Crisis Intervention Supervisor Antoinette Roberts shares, “Every call to our help line is a call for compassion. Our mission is to respond—not with fear—but with empowerment. We create a path toward safety that respects every individual’s dignity and choice. Ending violence begins with believing survivors and providing them with consistent, informed care.”
Support doesn’t end at crisis response. Through our Family and Community Partnership programs, YWCA helps expectant parents and caregivers build stability and confidence as they prepare for life with a new baby. This holistic approach—connecting housing support, counseling, financial education, and parenting resources—helps families thrive long before and long after a crisis.
Audrea Swims, Family Partnership Administrator, says, “Strengthening families means meeting them where they are—with empathy, not judgment. Pregnancy can bring incredible change, and YWCA is here to ensure every family has access to care, education, and emotional support. When families feel safe and supported, children can grow and thrive.”
YWCA’s early education and prenatal programs work hand in hand with crisis teams to break the cycle of violence and promote long-term well-being. Our advocates walk alongside survivors, ensuring they have access to healthcare, safe housing, and essential items like diapers, formula, and transportation to appointments.
This work is grounded in the belief that every family deserves a foundation of safety and respect—and that no one should face violence alone.
Ending violence during pregnancy requires courage from all of us: courage to listen, to believe, to act. You can make a difference by donating to support trauma-informed care, sharing YWCA’s 24/7 Help Line (314-531-7273) with someone who might need it, joining our Giving Club to sustain life-saving programs, or signing up for our newsletter to stay engaged in advocacy and action.
[1] Steele-Baser M, Brown AL, D’Angelo DV, et al. Intimate Partner Violence and Pregnancy and Infant Health Outcomes. MMWR Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024.
[2] 2018-2022 Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. 2025.
[3] Wallace ME et al. Homicide During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in the United States. National Library of Medicine. 2021
ABOUT YWCA:
YWCA Metro St. Louis is the region’s leading advocate for the safety, security and stability of women and children, serving nearly 10,000 women and families annually. The mission of YWCA is eliminating racism and empowering women. YWCA offers crisis services and rapid re-housing for victims of sexual and domestic violence; services for pregnant women, Head Start and Early Head Start early childhood education; career readiness and economic empowerment services for all clients; and racial justice educational programs.