Researchers at the Group Health Center for Health Studies found that domestic violence is a more widespread problem than previously thought and the more recent the violence and the longer it has taken place the worse the woman's physical and mental health, as well as her social network.
Results of the Group Health study were reported in two papers published in the June 2006 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
"This is an epidemic," said Robert S. Thompson, MD, senior investigator, lead author of one paper. "But it flies under the radar, because of the stigma and shame associated with it -- as well as the fear that many health care providers have of opening what some call a 'Pandora's Box' of difficult problems that they are unsure how to address."
"Intimate partner violence harms women's physical and mental health even more than do other common conditions, such as back pain and even several forms of cancer," said Amy E. Bonomi, PhD, MPH, research associate, Group Health Center for Health Studies, lead author of the other paper. "Compared to women with no intimate partner damage, women with recent physical violence were four times as likely to report symptoms of severe depression, nearly three times as likely to report poor or fair health and more than one additional symptom. They also reported lower social functioning by several measures."
The researchers were surprised to find that rates of domestic violence were so high among health plan participants who were old, had higher incomes and were more educated that average. Previous studies estimated rates that high only in younger, lower income groups.
Significant Health Damage
Although the researchers found the effects of physical abuse -- slapping, hitting, kicking, or forced sex -- to be stronger than those of nonphysical abuse -- threats, chronic disparaging remarks, or controlling behavior -- they also found both forms of abuse significantly damage women's health, and that physical abuse often accompanies nonphysical abuse.Other findings of the study included:
- 5-13 percent of women reported violence had persisted for more than 20 years in their lives.
- 11-13 percent experienced violence from more than one intimate partner.
- 15 percent reported violence in the past five years.
- 8 percent reported violence in the past year.
Interventions Needed
"We are at a point with intimate partner violence that seems similar to where we were with cigarette smoking and alcoholism 20 years ago," said Bonomi. "To prevent intimate partner violence from starting and continuing, we need interventions that span individual, community, and social levels."These interventions should include inquiring routinely about violence and linking those with positive responses to appropriate services."
Source: Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies.
