16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
Violence against women and health
Fact 3: Violence against women can damage the health and well-being of women.
Mental health consequences of intimate partner and sexual violence include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, suicide attempts, and substance abuse. Physical health consequences include injuries, chronic pain syndromes, gastrointestinal disorders, and disabilities. Violence can lead to unintended pregnancies, gynecological problems, and induced abortions. Women who suffer intimate partner violence also have poorer overall health in the long term than women who are not affected by such violence.