Abused women face higher risk of serious illness
Women experiencing violence face higher hospitalization rates for cancer, respiratory diseases, and more.
Why it matters
- Violence against women has long-term health impacts.
- Highlights the need for violence prevention and support services.
By the numbers
- Study of 1,151 NZ women over 31 years.
- 62.6% report lifetime interpersonal violence.
- 1.6x higher risk of cancer hospitalization.
- 3x higher risk of respiratory disease hospitalization.
- Also higher risks for pregnancy complications, digestive disorders, injuries.
The big picture
- Violence contributes to serious health issues.
- Prevention and support can improve health and reduce healthcare costs.
What they're saying
- Comments highlight trauma's physical health toll.
- Experts stress need for trauma-informed care and violence prevention.
Caveats
- Data from New Zealand may not generalize globally.
- Study relies on self-reported data and hospital records.
What’s next
- Implementing violence intervention programs.
- Further research on long-term health impacts of violence.