Family violence is a common cause of injury and death. Violence within the family includes what is commonly called domestic violence and physical and sexual abuse of children. The true frequency of these events is only recently becoming recognized. The CDC estimates that 1.8 million women each year (3% of the U.S. population) are severely assaulted by their male partners. This study assessed family violence in an urban public health program designed to reduce infant mortality and poor pregnancy outcomes, as well as to improve the quality of the lives of women and their families. The specific aim of the study was to assess the overlap between types of violence and age of victimization. Women in the study were low income, Black or Latina, and single. Slightly over half had been born in the US and had graduated from high school. The lifetime prevalence of physical violence was 19.1%, of sexual violence was 8.2%, and emotional violence, 12.9%. Overall, 24.6% of the women had experienced any violence in their lifetimes. Of these, 43.0% were victimized as a child only, 36.5% as adults only, and 20.5% were victims in both time periods. This study demonstrates that high numbers of women have been victims of family violence both as children and adults. The effect of violence on women's lives is far-reaching, including impacting utilization of health care. In order to improve women's lives and reduce disparities, these effects must be addressed.
Learning Objectives: Participants will 1. recognize the high prevalence of violence against women; 2. identify types of violence and time periods of victimization; and 3. assess the overlap between types of violence. This knowledge will allow participants to create new methods of reducing the effects of violence on women's lives
Keywords: Family Violence, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston Public Health Commission
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.