Domestic violence against pregnant women remains a leading cause of injury — and often death — for expecting mothers.
A terrified woman told deputies that she had just learned she was pregnant — and was punched in the stomach by her partner when she woke up that morning.
The allegation came through a third-party welfare check, prompting deputies to rush to the residence in Lawrence County to make sure the woman was safe. She told the responding officer her partner, Jerry Newcomb, struck her repeatedly in the abdomen during an argument — using a closed fist.
Shaken and frightened, she said she couldn’t count how many times she was hit. She still asked the deputy to press charges.
Violent Struggle During Arrest
Inside the home, the deputy informed Newcomb he was under arrest. Instead of complying, Newcomb allegedly grabbed onto a bed frame and refused to release it.
The deputy warned him multiple times to obey commands, but Newcomb continued to resist, leading the officer to deploy a taser to gain control. Even after falling to the ground, Newcomb refused to place his hands behind his back. The deputy ultimately had to activate the taser several times before he was able to handcuff Newcomb and take him into custody.
Newcomb was transported to the Lawrence County Jail to face charges related to the violent attack.
The Hidden Crisis: Pregnancy Doesn’t Stop Abuse
Domestic violence doesn’t pause when a woman becomes pregnant — in some cases, it gets worse.
According to national studies:
- 1 in 6 pregnant women experience abuse by an intimate partner
- Injury to the abdomen is one of the most common targets
- Domestic violence is a leading cause of death among pregnant women in the U.S.
Experts believe abusers often lash out due to jealousy, stress, or fear of losing control — putting both mother and baby in danger.
Deputies responding to these calls carry an enormous responsibility:
They’re not just protecting one life — but two.
A Desire for Justice
Despite her fear, the woman told officers she wanted to pursue charges, determined that her abuser should not be allowed to harm her or the unborn child again.
Support and intervention early in pregnancy can make the difference between safety and tragedy — and this time, first responders were able to intervene before the situation got worse.