gynecology and obstetrics
Domestic Violence
Effects of Domestic Violence (Intimate Partner Violence)
A victim of domestic violence may be physically injured. Physical injuries can include bruises, black eyes, cuts, scratches, broken bones, lost teeth, and burns. Injuries may negatively affect the victim's ability to work, possibly leading to loss of income. Injuries, as well as the abusive situation, may embarrass the victim, causing them to isolate from family and friends. The victim may also have to move often—a financial burden—to escape the perpetrator. Sometimes the perpetrator kills the victim. As a result of domestic violence, many victims have psychologic problems. Such problems include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (PTSD), 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. 