women s health issues
Domestic Violence
Introduction
Domestic violence is physical, sexual, or psychologic abuse between people who live together. It includes intimate partner violence, which refers to physical, sexual, or psychologic abuse by a current or former sex partner or spouse. Physical injuries, psychologic problems, social isolation, loss of a job, financial difficulties, and even death can result. Doctors may suspect domestic violence based on injuries, inconsistent or puzzling symptoms, or the behavior of the victim and/or the victim's partner. Keeping safe—for example, having a plan of escape—is the most important consideration. Domestic violence can occur between children and parents or guardians, grandparents, or siblings, as well as intimate partners. It occurs among people of all cultures, races, sexual orientations, genders, occupations, income levels, educational levels, religious backgrounds, and ages. Women are more commonly victims of domestic violence than are men. About 95% of people who seek medical attention as a result of domestic violence are women. About 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Women are more likely to be severely assaulted or killed by a male partner than by anyone else. Each year in the United States, experts estimate that about 2 million women are severely beaten by their partner. In the United States, domestic violence is as prevalent (or more prevalent) among lesbian and bisexual women, gay and bisexual men, and transgender people as among the general population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence became more common in many countries. Reasons probably include stress due to loss of income and loss of contact with other people. Also, people who were abused often could not escape to a shelter or another safe place. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. In the United States, about 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. The abusing partner may try to control the victim by limiting the victim's access to money and to other people, even by telephone or e-mail. 