UP TO 60 per cent of women who experience domestic violence are abused by their partners while pregnant, a midwives’ union said yesterday as a new campaign was launched to combat the problem.

Nearly a third (30 per cent) of abuse cases are triggered by pregnancy and existing violent behaviour escalates when the victim is expecting a baby, according to statistics provided by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

The report shows that this is due to a partner’s inability to cope with their jealousy and anger towards an unborn child.

Domestic violence has overtaken gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia as the main cause of foetal death, as pregnant women are more likely to be hit on the abdomen by a partner or ex.

The risk of severe violence appears to be greatest after a child is born, the report adds.

The data used in the Domestic Violence and Pregnancy report, published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, were drawn from victim admissions to A&E.

It is likely that the prevalence of violence against women and their unborn and newborn children is under-reported, since many expectant and new mothers find it difficult to seek help, the RCM said.

Midwives play a crucial role in identifying abuse by being alert to unexplained injuries and causes of damage to a baby, RCM policy adviser Janet Fyle said.

The RCM joined the government, domestic abuse charity SafeLives and other organisations yesterday in launching the 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence Campaign, which runs until December 3.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and shadow minister for women and equalities Sarah Champion made a joint statement to mark the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.

They said: “We must support the incredible work of women’s organisations who provide essential, life-saving services to survivors.

“It is unacceptable that these specialist organisations who support women and girls have seen their resources decimated in the name of austerity.”

A Labour government would introduce statutory, age-appropriate school lessons to teach children about healthy relationships and friendships, and also how to identify abuse.

Mr Corbyn and Ms Champion condemned “unacceptable” government cuts to women’s aid charities and vowed that Labour would increase funding.

Earlier this month, ministers launched a temporary £20 million pot of funding for refuges and domestic violence support services, which have to bid for a share of the money.

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