Health consequences

According to the Assessment of the World Health Organization of the United Nations Violence is one of the world's greatest health risks for women. When abuse occurs in intimate relationships, it is mainly women who suffer. Study shows that in Germany at least one in five women has experienced gender-based violence in her life.

Physical, psychosomatic and psychological injuries

Violence against women has complex and far-reaching health consequences. These range from physical injuries such as bruises, hematomas, and abrasions to broken bones, ruptured organs, gunshot and stab wounds, and burns. Every year, several women are killed by intimate partner violence in Germany.

Living in a violent relationship also often causes psychosomatic illnesses in women, such as cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal complaints, or headaches. Women affected by violence are more likely than other women to experience gynecological impairments and problems during pregnancy and childbirth.

In many cases, psychological impairments such as depression and suicidal tendencies also occur. Women affected by violence also exhibit significantly higher rates of harmful behavior, consuming more alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and medication.

Health system plays a key role

Doctors, medical professionals, emergency rooms, and hospitals are often the only places women affected by violence seek care. The healthcare system therefore plays a key role in intervention, referral, and prevention of violence against women and their children. However, experience shows that violence is rarely identified as a cause of women's injuries and illnesses in medical care.