Family Violence against Pregnant Women and Its Bad Consequences

   Written by: Wahida Sabir

.Violence against women is one of the most serious issues in Afghanistan. AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some women and a doctor about the bad consequences of violence against pregnant women.

A woman from Bamiyan province says: “my husband and his family were threatening and beating me that why I deliver so many babies. It badly affected me and now I am suffering from depression and I always want to live alone in a dark place.”

Another woman from Nangarhar province says: “I am the mother of 5 children. My husband was beating me during my pregnancy and I wanted to abort my child or leave the house. When I went to the doctor, she said that I have a psychological problem.”

Doctor Emal Safi, a neurologist at the psychiatric hospital, Kabul city says: “Pregnant women who are facing family violence, might suffer from depression, insomnia, fear, anguish, crying and impatience, which are dangerous to the mother and the baby in her womb. If the mother develops a mental illness, the baby might be born very weak.”

What could people prevent this issue?

Marzia says: “My husband is a very kind person. When I was pregnant, he and his family members were helping me in house chores. My husband also helps me in taking care of the baby and I have not faced any psychological problem yet.”

A mother-in-law says: “I love my bride. She needs our kindness. I prepare her healthy food and I always take her to the doctor.”

Doctor Safi tells about the solution of family violence against pregnant women: “The husband and his family should reduce mental and physical pressure on the pregnant woman. They should forget violence against their brides and should prepare a suitable environment for them.”