At the HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI, we believe that domestic violence and family safety resources are vital to protecting children and caregivers and fostering environments where families can thrive. Safety is a fundamental need, and access to support and information can be life-changing in moments of crisis or uncertainty.
These resources help families recognize signs of domestic violence, access crisis support, and connect with services that promote safety, stability, and healing. They also provide guidance on building protective networks and accessing social supports that reduce isolation and strengthen family resilience. Ensuring safety is not only about immediate protection but also about creating the conditions for long-term well-being and healthy relationships.
The resources in this section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide are provided to guide, educate, and offer pathways to local and national support. We hope that these tools empower families to take informed steps toward protection, connection, and stability.
These materials are informational in nature and are not intended to replace consultation, crisis intervention, or guidance from a physician, mental health professional, social worker, or other licensed clinical provider. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, it is critical to contact emergency services or a qualified support organization.
Safety is strategic, not incidental. We hope these resources serve as a steady guide as you protect, support, and strengthen your family during the earliest years of life.
IPV is a pattern of controlling, threatening, or violent behavior in an intimate relationship. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, and it’s about power and control—not normal disagreements.
IPV is linked to injury, stress, depression, preterm birth, low birthweight, and other complications for both mother and baby.
Yes. Violence can start or escalate during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including physical, sexual, and reproductive coercion.
Even if they are not directly harmed, children can develop toxic stress, sleep problems, behavior issues, and developmental delays when exposed to violence at home.
AAP and ACOG encourage private, nonjudgmental conversations, offering information about local resources, and respecting the survivor’s decisions while prioritizing safety.
Yes. ACOG and AAP recommend routine screening and offering referrals and safety planning as part of standard care.
Not always. Reporting rules vary by state. AAP emphasizes careful consideration of child safety and potential harms of reporting, along with robust safety planning.
Reproductive coercion includes tampering with birth control, pressuring pregnancy or abortion decisions, and interfering with reproductive health choices.
Yes. Emotional abuse, threats, controlling money or movement, sexual coercion, and stalking are all forms of IPV.
Believe them, validate that the abuse is not their fault, share hotline and local resources, avoid pressuring them to leave before they’re ready, and consult DV experts about safety planning.
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Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
