Intimate Partner Violence

Talking about abuse (or even distressing, stressful experiences in relationships) can be hard. There is a lot of shame and judgement associated with experiences of abuse within an intimate relationship, so, often, women will not share these stories with friends or family members.

But it’s important to know that any kind of abuse erodes self-esteem and chips away at our sense of identity and worth. People automatically picture physical forms of violence when they think about abuse in relationships, however in reality, it’s the consistent erosion of self-esteem that results from ongoing threats, name-calling, insults and derogatory statements that continue to impact survivors of abuse over time.

Not only does this mean they are not supported in their experiences; it also makes it easier for the partner to further convince her that she’s overthinking it, over-reacting or otherwise misinterpreting the situation.

A history of experiencing violence is a risk factor for:

Injury and physical illness including: bruises, welts, lacerations and abrasions, fractures and broken bones or teeth, sight and hearing damage, head injuries, attempted strangulations, back and neck injury and abdominal injuries. As well as other ailments that are difficult to diagnose such as ‘stress-related conditions’ including irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal symptoms, various chronic pain syndromes and the exacerbation of other conditions like asthma.

Mental illness and suicide including: higher levels of depression, anxiety and phobias. Reports of emotional distress including thoughts of suicide and attempted suicide are significantly higher among women who had never experienced physical or sexual violence. In addition, Intimate Partner Violence has been linked to:

• alcohol and drug abuse;

• eating and sleep disorders;

• physical inactivity;

• poor self-esteem;

• post-traumatic stress disorder;

• smoking;

• self-harm; and

• unsafe sexual behaviour.

Sexual and reproductive health issues including: unintended and unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections include HIV, pregnancy complications, infections, sexual dysfunctions and sexual and reproductive problems.

Violence during pregnancy which can lead to miscarriage, late entry into prenatal care, stillbirths, premature labour and birth, fetal injury, and low birth weight or small infants.

Effects on children including negative social and health consequences like anxiety, depression, poor academic performance and negative health outcomes.

Homicide and other mortality as Intimate Partner Violence accounts for 40-70% of female murder victims (globally) are killed by their husband or boyfriend, often in the context of an abusive relationship.