Did you know that domestic abuse can make someone seriously ill?
There is a growing body of research that confirms domestic violence victims also suffer from a host of long-term health problems, even though many of their doctors may not initially realize that the abuse is the source of their issues. According to Futures Without Violence, a national organization working to end violence against women and children, women who have experienced domestic violence are:
- 80 percent more likely to have a stroke
- 70 percent more likely to have heart disease
- 60 percent more likely to have asthma
- 70 percent more likely to drink heavily
These findings do not surprise SHALVA therapists. “We often see symptoms such as sleeplessness, depression, headaches, heightened anxiety, and poor concentration, which we know are all precursors to these diseases. This is the toll of living in an abusive relationship.”
SHALVA offers educational programs specifically designed for health care providers. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (773) 583-4673.
