Linking Domestic Violence and Chronic Disease: An Issue Missing from the Headlines

With domestic violence getting attention lately due to the Ray Rice video and the newly crowned Miss America Kira Kazantsev’s domestic violence platform, the Society for Women’s Health Research believes it is important to highlight an important subject missing from the headlines.
There has been radio silence about the acute and chronic health conditions that affect women who suffer from this abusive behavior. Black eyes, bruises and broken bones are all what we expect to hear from victims who experience violence at the hand of a loved one.
There has been little to no attention, however, given to other health conditions, such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and asthma, just to name a few of the afflictions that may develop long after the violence has stopped. In addition to these physical health consequences, there are psychological effects and conditions that women may experience – fear, anxiety and PTSD, all of which may indirectly give rise to other ailments.
Prior to domestic violence being front and center in the news, it has historically been a rather taboo subject. We know it happens, yet we rarely talk about it.
With 30 percent of women experiencing domestic violence during their lifetime, a number that experts believe is higher given that domestic violence is most likely under-reported, we need to start talking about it more often. Additionally, almost a quarter of pregnant women are abused, leading to medical complications during and afte...

Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - October 3, 2014 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Chronic Conditions Policy Women's Health Source Type: blogs