Intimate Partner Violence
“641 million women globally are affected by intimate partner violence” – WHO
Intimate Partner Violence
Is a global public health issue
Intimate partner violence refers to behavior by an intimate partner or ex-partner that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviors. Health effects can include headaches, pain syndromes (back pain, abdominal pain, chronic pelvic pain) gastrointestinal disorders, limited mobility and poor overall health. Women who have experienced intimate partner violence were almost twice as likely to experience depression and problem drinking.
Children who grow up in families where there is violence may suffer a range of behavioral and emotional disturbances. These can also be associated with perpetrating or experiencing violence later in life. Intimate partner violence has also been associated with higher rates of infant and child mortality and morbidity.
The social and economic costs of intimate partner and sexual violence are enormous and have ripple effects throughout society. Women may suffer isolation, inability to work, loss of wages, lack of participation in regular activities and limited ability to care for themselves and their children.
HOW TO MITIGATE AND PREVENT IT
Together, We Can
Make A Difference
Forensic nurses meet the critical healthcare needs of victims of violence through a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach. They play a vital role in reducing the health impacts of intimate partner violence.