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Health 52
Info Tip:
Health Effects of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is more prevalent and less understood than most people
realize.
Although shoving, hitting and sometimes death are the images
many have, domestic violence is not about anger and violence; it’s about
power and control.
That’s why abusive relationships often start with intimidation and verbal
attacks that make one person, usually the woman, feel isolated, insecure and
afraid. Self-esteem is destroyed. The emotional abuse may escalate to
physical assault, but not always.
The Family Violence Prevention Fund points out that physical and
psychological abuse are linked to arthritis, chronic neck or back pain,
frequent headaches and ulcers. Children who grow up witnessing domestic
violence are prone to depression and anxiety, and are more likely to use
drugs and alcohol than their peers.
One reported study showed that preschoolers in homes where domestic violence
was prevalent were at greater risk for having allergies, asthma,
gastrointestinal problems, headaches and flu.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you are affected by
domestic violence in any way, use this time to act. You can do something
about it.
Confidential help is available through the Connecticut Coalition Against
Domestic Violence hotline at 1-888-774-2900.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, Family Violence Prevention Fund, Corporate Alliance
to End Partner Violence, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
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