More than a third of women worldwide will suffer from domestic violence in their lifetime, according to a new study.
Health on Female First
Some 35 per cent of all women will experience either intimate partner or non-partner violence, according to the research by the World Health Organization.
The study finds that intimate partner violence is the most common type of violence against women, affecting 30 per cent of women worldwide.
The report not only released figures of deomestic violence, but also documented the impacts of it too.
The study found health problems ranging from broken bones to pregnancy-related complications, mental problems and impaired social functioning.
Injury, and even death, are the most serious consequences of violence, but it can also double the chances of developing depression.
“These findings send a powerful message that violence against women is a global health problem of epidemic proportions,” said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General, WHO. “We also see that the world’s health systems can and must do more for women who experience violence.”
“This new data shows that violence against women is extremely common. We urgently need to invest in prevention to address the underlying causes of this global women’s health problem.” said Professor Charlotte Watts, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Fear of stigma prevents many women from reporting non-partner sexual violence. Other barriers to data collection include the fact that fewer countries collect this data than information about intimate partner violence, and that many surveys of this type of violence employ less sophisticated measurement approaches than those used in monitoring intimate partner violence.
“The review brings to light the lack of data on sexual violence by perpetrators other than partners, including in conflict-affected settings,” said Dr Naeemah Abrahams from the SAMRC. “We need more countries to measure sexual violence and to use the best survey instruments available.”
Tagged in Health Women's Health Domestic Abuse