Physical and Psychological Effects of Domestic Violence on Women

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“Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States” (Jones 87). Every twelve seconds, a woman is beaten by a man (Jones 6). Every nine days, a woman is murdered by her husband or boyfriend (Jones 7). Statistics like these outline the severity and seriousness of the domestic violence epidemic in this country. Unfortunately, it has taken lawmakers too long to recognize domestic violence as a devastating situation that affects millions of people both physically and emotionally. Domestic violence affects not just people, but businesses as well. Domestic violence results in high turnover and absenteeism at work, extended sick leave, and losses in productivity (Jones 12). The financial cost of domestic violence on business productivity helped facilitate government intervention towards addressing domestic violence, and encouraged laws protecting victims of this type of abuse.

When most people think of the long-term effects of domestic violence, usually psychological problems come to mind. While psychological disorders are extremely common in women who are victims of domestic violence, it is also important to recognize that women who are abused also suffer long-term physical problems. In this paper, I will be discussing some of the common physical, as well as psychological consequences of domestic violence in women. I will also be discussing how women in rural areas are uniquely affected by domestic violence.

Women who live in violent households experience intense feelings of fear, panic, and anxiety (Jones 87). Many experience feelings of depression and shame, because they feel guilty about staying in their current situation (Jones 87). Women who are vic...

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... our society. It is important to educate the public on domestic violence issues, and provide better medical care to women who are experiencing abuse. In addition, it is also imperative that physicians be trained and mandated to screen female patients for signs of domestic abuse, and be more sensitive to the frightening situation abused women find themselves in.

Works Cited

Barlow, David, and V. Mark Durand. Abnormal Psychology. Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole, 2009

Campbell, Jacquelyn et al. “Intimate Partner Violence and Physical Heath Consequences.” Archives of Internal Medicine 162i10 Article 7 (2012): 1-13.

Chamberlain, Linda. “Domestic Violence: A Primary Care Issue for Rural Women.” The Network News 27i1p1(3) Article 113 (2202): 1-4.

Jones, Ann. Next Time, She’ll Be Dead: Battering & How to Stop It. Boston: Beacon Press, 2004.

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