Intimate partner violence (domestic violence) resulted in 1,336 deaths in 2010 -accounting for 10% of all homicides.
82% percent of these deaths were females and 18% were males.
Are there other health effects of Domestic Violence?
YES! Domestic Violence often affects the WHOLE person. Abused patients are at greater risk for:
Physical trauma: bruises, broken bones, etc.
- Back and limb problems
- Sleep Disturbances, Appetite Changes
- Fainting and dizziness
- Gastrointestinal, gynecologic, heart, blood pressure, lung and breathing problems
- Headaches, Anxiety, Depression
- Substance Abuse
- Preterm birth, low birth weight
How can you help someone you suspect is involved in a Domestic Violence situation?
Listen non-judgmentally
“Are you ever afraid of your partner?”
“Do you feel safe at home?”
“Has partner ever hit, hurt, threatened you, forced you to have sex, or purposefully humiliated you?
Acknowledge the person’s situation:
“They don’t deserve this; not their fault”
- Encourage discussion
- Empower the person
- Help them get help (see next question)
Where Can You Go for Help?
Where someone goes for help depends on the nature of the situation and the person. Also, many resources may be utilized at once:
Your health care provider/hospital
Police/law enforcement
State/county Domestic Violence resources/shelters/counseling
Online/Hotline resources and information:
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
Futures Without Violence (Family Violence Prevent Fund)
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Network to End Domestic Violence
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
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Get Well Wednesday: Dr. Jennifer Caudle Says Domestic Violence Goes Beyond The Physical was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
