Effects of Violence on Women

Just as there are many forms of violence against women there are many different ways that they can be affected by the violence.  It is not limited to the physical affects of the violence. There are also emotional, psychological, sexual and psychiatric impacts.

Physically: broken bones, bruises, burns, cuts, bites, stabs, sprains, concussions, lost teeth and gun wounds.  In addition to the direct physical injuries from the violence, women’s long term health is affected by living with the related stress and tension in the relationship.  This could include, but is not limited to, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, palpitations, hyperventilation, and substance abuse.  Violence against pregnant women can affect the health of the unborn child.

Sexual health: sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic, genital or uterine pain, vaginal or urinary infection, bruising or tearing of the vagina or anus, pregnancy, infertility, early hysterectomy, and sexually addictive behaviour.

Psychological: low self-esteem, self-degradation, self-abuse, acute anxiety, fear, uncontrolled anger, chronic stress, phobias, flashbacks, insomnia, problems sleeping, nightmares, inappropriate boundaries, passivity, memory loss, loss of concentration and productivity.

Psychiatric: depression, suicidal thoughts, dissociation, post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, adjustment disorder and depressed mood, obsessive compulsive disorder.