Health effects associated with exposure to intimate partner violence against women and childhood sexual abuse: a Burden of Proof study

Abstract

The health impacts of intimate partner violence against women and childhood sexual abuse are not fully understood. Here we conducted a systematic review by comprehensively searching seven electronic databases for literature on intimate partner violence-associated and childhood sexual abuse-associated health effects. Following the burden of proof methodology, we evaluated the evidence strength linking intimate partner violence and/or childhood sexual abuse to health outcomes supported by at least three studies. Results indicated a moderate association of intimate partner violence with major depressive disorder and with maternal abortion and miscarriage (63% and 35% increased risk, respectively). HIV/AIDS, anxiety disorders and self-harm exhibited weak associations with intimate partner violence. Fifteen outcomes were evaluated for their relationship to childhood sexual abuse, which was shown to be moderately associated with alcohol use disorders and with self-harm (45% and 35% increased risk, respectively). Associations between childhood sexual abuse and 11 additional health outcomes, such as asthma and type 2 diabetes mellitus, were found to be weak. Although our understanding remains limited by data scarcity, these health impacts are larger in magnitude and more extensive than previously reported. Renewed efforts on violence prevention and evidence-based approaches that promote healing and ensure access to care are necessary.

An explorative study on consequences of abuse on psychological wellbeing and cognitive outcomes in victims of gender-based violence

“…Indeed, it is very often the destructive intensity of such events, both from a physical and psychic point of view, that prevents people from being able to cope effectively, as it is perceived as exceeding available resources (Começanha et al, 2017 ; Huh et al, 2017 ; Gambetti et al, 2019 ). Since the traumatic event involves a painful and unpredictable interruption of the regular flow of events, many people report being unable to lead a satisfying life because of emotions and thoughts related even to events that happened long before Leskin and Sheikh ( 2002 ), Johansen et al ( 2007 ), Borges et al ( 2021 ), and Spencer et al ( 2023 ).…”