How Domestic Violence Survivors Navigate Increased Dangers during Pregnancy and Postpartum with Shona Chavis

A woman's risk of being killed in the United States increases by 20 percent on average when pregnant or after giving birth. For those under 25, that risk more than doubles. In fact, pregnant and postpartum women are more likely to be killed, than die from childbirth-related issues like severe bleeding, infection and high blood pressure. And many killings are the result of domestic violence. In this episode of Body & State, Sarah travels to Louisiana where she interviews Shona Chavis, a domestic violence survivor and trauma educator. Chavis grew up in rural Louisiana with a father that brutalized her mother, even when she was pregnant. Years later, Shona saw some of those same patterns in her own husband, as he began controlling and abusing her. WATCH ON PBS NEWSHOUR: Abortion restrictions may be fueling a rise in domestic violence, experts warn https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/abortion-restrictions-may-be-fueling-a-rise-in-domestic-violence-experts-warn  Domestic Violence Hotline:  If you are affected by relationship abuse, you can reach an advocate at the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Visit thehotline.org. Text BEGIN to 88788. Call 800-799-SAFE (7233). Call 911 if you feel like you are in immediate danger or a life-threatening situation. Directory of Local Providers: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/directory-of-local-providers/