Why intimate partner violence is an under-recognised public health crisis, PgII

Key Highlights:

• A Lancet analysis identifies intimate partner violence as a significant contributor to health issues like PTSD, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
• For women of reproductive age in South Asia, intimate partner violence poses a greater health risk than factors like high glucose, obesity, smoking, or alcohol.
• The medical system often overlooks intimate partner violence, leading to women being treated for symptoms without addressing the root cause.
• Current medical training inadequately prepares doctors to identify, address, or refer cases of intimate partner violence.

Detailed Insights:

• Intimate partner violence is an ongoing issue that impacts mental health, causes non-communicable diseases, and results in long-term disabilities.
• Women experiencing intimate partner violence often present with non-specific complaints like chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep issues, which are not always linked to abuse.
• Many women do not report intimate partner violence due to fear, social pressure, or economic dependence, making it difficult to identify and address.
• Reframing intimate partner violence as a public health and chronic disease issue can shift the focus toward long-term care and prevention.
• Healthcare providers need better training to recognize signs of intimate partner violence, ask safely, document accurately, and provide appropriate referrals.
• Integrating gender-sensitive training into the curriculum for doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare workers is essential.
• Addressing intimate partner violence requires collaboration between healthcare, social services, and law enforcement.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Intimate Partner Violence: Abuse or aggression occurring in a romantic relationship.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event.
• Non-Communicable Diseases: Diseases that are not infectious or transmissible.