women s health issues
Domestic Violence
Effects of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence may be physically injured. Physical injuries can include bruises, black eyes, cuts, scratches, broken bones, lost teeth, and burns. Injuries may interfere with the victim's ability to work. As a result, income may be lost. Injuries, as well as the abusive situation, may cause embarrassment, causing victims to isolate themselves from family and friends. Victims may develop symptoms that have no obvious physical cause. These symptoms can include headaches, abdominal or pelvic pain, and fatigue. Many victims also get Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and have problems during pregnancy. Victims may have to move often—a financial burden—to escape the perpetrator. Sometimes the perpetrator kills the victim. Victims of domestic violence may develop depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse. They are in greatest danger of serious harm after their partner knows they have decided to leave. As a result of domestic violence, many victims have psychologic problems, such as Depression , Even when physical abuse decreases, psychologic abuse often continues, reminding victims that they can be physically abused at any time. Psychologic abuse can be more damaging than physical abuse. Psychologic abuse increases the risk of depression and substance abuse. One in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence. These children may develop problems such as the following: Excessive anxiety or crying Fearfulness Difficulty sleeping Depression Social withdrawal Difficulty in school Also, children may blame themselves for the situation. Older children may run away from home. Children who see one parent abuse the other may be more likely to become abusive adults or be more likely to tolerate abuse as adults. The perpetrator may also physically hurt the children. In homes where domestic violence is present, children are much more likely to be physically mistreated. 