Domestic Violence is a Public Health Concern

By: Victoria Martinez, Copyright 2024 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month is recognized annually in October to raise awareness, provide support to survivors, and promote efforts for prevention.

Domestic violence should be viewed as a public health concern due to its impact on the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals and communities, requiring a public health approach to prevention and treatment.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship used by one individual to gain or maintain power over their victim. There are many forms of domestic violence such as physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse. Regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background, domestic abuse can happen to anyone.

The physical injuries suffered by domestic violence victims can often range from minor cuts to extreme cases of death. Victims of domestic abuse are more likely to suffer from chronic health problems such as hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and heart disease. Unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections and diseases can be caused by reproductive coercion or control over sexual health.

Mental health consequences such as psychological trauma can leave victims in a state of prolonged distress. Physical violence typically is the main focus when discussing domestic violence but non-physical abuse such as gaslighting, isolation, manipulation, and constant criticism can affect an individual’s self-esteem and mental health.
Help or escape can become harder when abusers use social isolation to isolate their victims from access to support systems such as friends and family. Perpetrators often use financial abuse to control a victim’s finances such as access to money and employment.

The impact on children who experience or witness domestic violence are likely to develop emotional, mental health, and behavioral issues. These effects can later persist and affect the relationships in adulthood where individuals risk either becoming perpetrators or victims of abuse creating a cycle of generational violence.

The economic and social burden of domestic violence strains social services and the healthcare system. The medical treatment for mental health services, long-term care, and physical injuries require a preventable substantial cost to individuals and their communities. Domestic violence applies pressure on shelters, welfare programs, and other community resources as victims often flee their abusers without stable housing.

While external factors may influence abusive behavior, it is a fundamental choice in which perpetrators use abusive tactics to engage in control, harm, or dominate their victims.

Domestic violence is not a private concern, but a critical public health issue needing a community-based response to address prevention, intervention, and support for survivors.

If you or someone you know needs support, immediate and confidential help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. You can visit thehotline.org, call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY 1-800-787-3224), or text “START” to 88788.