Women victims of domestic violence run a higher risk of brain trauma and mental health problems for many years after the end of abuse, a study revealed.
Almost one in three women in the world suffers from domestic violence, and researchers say that the impact on mental health – such as post -traumatic stress disorder (SSPT) – can last decades.
The study, by the University of Glasgow And published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, explored the consequences on mental health associated with domestic violence and brain trauma.
The article – violence between intimate partners, trauma of brain damage and long -term mental health results in living in life: the Drake IPV study – examined the data of 632 participants aged 40 to 59.
Fourteen percent have said they had a history of domestic violence through physical violence.
Compared to unpresenting participants, those who have history of physical abuse of violence between intimate partners (IPV-P-PA) have been associated with higher exposure of traumatic brain lesions (TBI) and higher life and continuous diagnostics of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and life.
The analysis also revealed that even after an average of 27 years after exposure to the IPV-P-PA, the risk of mental health disorders has remained just as high.
The study concluded: “Among those who report exposure to the IPV-PA, the majority reported history of repetitive blows to the head and a light TBI. A story of TBI, in turn, was associated with proof of unwanted results in mental health.
“These observations provide initial information on the potential consequences of the health of the brain for life of violence between intimate partners with physical violence.
“Given the global prevalence of violence between intimate partners, in particular in women, these results highlight an urgent need for additional research in this area, as well as for targeted interventions to raise awareness of decision -makers and health professionals on the potential impact of violence between intimate partners with physical violence on the results for the health of life.”
The work was funded by the Drake Foundation, the National Institutes of HealthThe Medical Research Council, NHS Research Scotland, Alzheimer’s Society and the Alzheimer’s association.
Professor Willie Stewart said: “Given his prevalence, these results highlight domestic violence as a public health problem with a potential for lasting impact on brain health. Our work also strengthens the need for more research in this previously neglected area.”
Dr. Graciela Muniz-Terrera, co-author of the report, said: “This study underlines the importance of including questions on domestic violence in population research to advance our knowledge on its long-term effects.”