Swiss study: Domestic violence and sexual abuse more stressful than previously thought

class = “sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>

The health burden of domestic violence or childhood sexual abuse may be more extensive than previously thought. This is suggested by a study with Swiss participation published Monday in the journal “Nature Medicine.”

According to the research, women who experience violence from their intimate partners have a 63 percent higher risk of major depressive disorder. The risk of abortion and miscarriage increases by 35 percent in women exposed to domestic violence.

20 percent of young women are subjected to sexual abuse

In the study, childhood sexual abuse was linked to an increased risk of alcohol use (45 percent) and self-harm (35 percent).

“Although our understanding remains limited due to data scarcity, these health effects are larger and more comprehensive than previously reported,” the authors wrote in the study. Scientists advocate that these situations be taken seriously.

According to research, one in three women in a relationship worldwide will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Additionally, approximately 20 percent of young women and 10 percent of young men worldwide have experienced some form of sexual abuse in their childhood.

The study stated that “further efforts are needed to prevent violence and evidence-based approaches that promote recovery and ensure access to care.”

Scientific literature was examined

For the study, the international research team led by the University of Washington (USA) systematically reviewed scientific literature published since 1970. Flavia Bustero (62) from the Botnar Foundation in Basel also participated in the research. The research team found 229 studies on the topic they analyzed.

According to researchers, more research is needed on the subject to make more definitive statements. During the initial literature review, they also identified additional potential health effects, including the association of domestic violence with maternal hypertension, but these could not be included in the meta-analysis due to lack of evidence. (SDA)

Source : Blick