Training 130 women youth health leaders in Gujarat

Understanding Health Implications of Domestic Violence

Violence has immediate effects on women’s health, which in some cases, is fatal. Physical, mental and behavioural health consequences can also persist long after the violence has stopped. Violence against women and girls occurs in every country and culture, and is rooted in social and cultural attitudes and norms that privilege men over women and boys over girls.

Violence not only causes physical injury, it also undermines the social, economic, psychological, spiritual and emotional well being of the victim, the perpetrator and the society as a whole. Domestic violence is a major contributor to the ill health of women.

It has serious consequences on women's mental and physical health, including their reproductive and sexual health. These include injuries, gynecological problems, temporary or permanent disabilities, depression and suicide, amongst others.

These physical and mental health outcomes have social and emotional sequelae for the individual, the family, the community and the society at large.

The physical health consequences of domestic violence are often obscure, indirect and emerge over the long term. For example, women who were subject to violent attacks during childhood are bothered by menstrual problems and irritable bowel syndrome in later life.

In line with this, awareness meetings were conducted with community women wherein the participating women were made aware on understanding gender abuse and its implications on health and wellbeing. The women were also informed about mechanisms of handling violence and so also the importance of paying due attention to their nutritional needs.

At the end of these meetings, the women felt better informed and derived strength from their peer group.  

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