October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

by Nancy Raymond, M.D.

According to studies, nearly one-third of American women have been physically or sexually abused by a spouse or partner at some point in their lives. So whether we aware of it or not, it is likely that domestic violence has affected our lives or the life of someone we know.

What is domestic violence?

The term domestic violence refers to a range of abusive behavior that may include physical, psychological, or sexual harm. Physical and sexual abuse may be hitting, shoving, or forcing someone to engage in sexual activity. Psychological abuse may include behavior patterns in which the abuser tries to control the victim with insults, intimidation, or punching walls. Some abusers isolate the victim by limiting access to the telephone, transportation, money, or friends.

Who are the perpetrators of domestic violence?

The perpetrator of abuse may be a current or former spouse, partner or family member who is abusive one time or many times. If a partner has been abusive one time, it is likely that he or she will do harm again in the future.

Who are victims of domestic violence?

There isn't one type of person who becomes a victim of domestic violence. Violence occurs in families of many different backgrounds regardless of income, education, culture, or sexual preference. Although men are affected by domestic violence, the majority of victims are women and children. Every person deserves to live free of violence and fear. Therefore, a victim should not be blamed for domestic violence. Regardless of the situation, the abuser is responsible for abuse.

How does domestic violence affect health?

The harmful health effects of domestic violence vary depending on individual circumstances. There may be physical injury such as traumatic brain injury, bruising, or broken bones. It is estimated that 37 percent of all women who sought care in hospital emergency rooms for violence-related injuries were injured by a current or former spouse or partner. Other abusive situations may have more subtle affects that can be equally as harmful. For example, domestic violence has been associated with increased risk of chronic health problems including depression, alcohol and substance abuse, and sexually transmitted infections.

Violence also impacts children who have witnessed abuse or violence. In a recent study, children exposed to violence suffered symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder such as bed-wetting and nightmares and were at greater risk of conditions such as asthma, headaches, and flu.

What can we do to prevent domestic violence?

The best approach to prevent abuse is to educate ourselves and our communities about domestic violence. It is important to share information about local shelters and services to support victims who want to leave an abusive situation. The Web site, www.leavingabuse.com, provides tools to help victims plan for safety when leaving an abusive situation.

For immediate help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) connects directly to a local shelter in your area. Other local resources include the Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1-866-223-111 or, in the Twin Cities area, United Way First Call for Help at 211 or 651-291-0211.

Nancy C. Raymond, M.D., is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine and Community Health and is also psychiatric consultant at the Program in Human Sexuality. She is the director of the Deborah E. Powell Center for Women's Health at the University of Minnesota. This column is an educational service of the University of Minnesota. Advice presented should not take the place of an examination by a health-care professional. For more health-related information, go to http://www.healthtalk.umn.edu/