WHO report views domestic violence to have serious impact on health

Many women today do not dare to share that they have been exposed to domestic violence and suffered physical injuries. Women should no more perceive domestic violence as normal.

24 000 women in 10 countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, Japan, Namibia, Peru, Samoa, Serbia and Montenegro, Thailand, and the United Republic of Tanzania) have been interviewed for the study. The study was implemented by WHO, in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), PATH, USA, research institutions and women’s organizations in the participating countries.

The report results show that women who are abused have very bad health and even some mental problems such as suicidal attempts and mental distress. The study states that assault or rape by strangers is less likely to happen than violence between intimate partners.

Hence the study shows that it is high time the politicians to start some actions on violence prevention programmes in order to prevent further detirioration of women’s health. The health professionals could urge the victims to search for help in case of abuse.

The report ends with several recommendations:

 Gender equality and women’s human rights should be highly promoted.
 Multisectoral action plans preventing violence against women should be set into force.
 Notable people could be involved in raising awareness about this issue.
 Data systems should be established to monitor more efficiently the violence.
 Comprehensive health sector response is necessary to provide safer ambience for women, girls and children.

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