A new synthesis of global evidence shows a strong link between family violence and long-term health effects, with major implications for the psychological and physical well-being of millions of people around the world It became clear that it was giving. The first comprehensive review of its kind synthesizes the results of the most rigorous research on child abuse and intimate partner violence, revealing alarming patterns in the long-term effects of family violence. are.
The study, led by Matthias Burghardt of the Max Planck Institute for Crime, Security and Law and Sofia Backhaus of the University of Amsterdam, found that the effects of family violence extend far beyond direct harm. It is said that there is Victims, particularly children and intimate partners, may face lasting mental and physical health challenges, highlighting the urgency of addressing this public health crisis. Masu.
Family violence: a global health crisis
Family violence is a pervasive problem, affecting up to one billion people each year around the world. Child abuse and intimate partner violence are of particular concern because of their widespread prevalence, frequent co-occurrence, and covert nature (taking place behind closed doors). The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures are believed to have exacerbated these problems and posed further challenges to intervention and prevention.
This is the first study to examine the long-term relationship between domestic violence and health on such a large scale. We are also the first to provide estimates of clinical importance for the health effects we examined. ”
Sophia Backhaus of the University of Amsterdam
Comprehensive analysis of over 3 million individuals
Unlike previous studies that focused on individual studies, this study combines the results of 18 longitudinal meta-analyses, with more than 150 primary studies spanning varying timelines from 1 to 17 years. Serves over 3 million individuals. The researchers assessed the quality of the included studies, making this comprehensive review a trusted and valuable resource for professionals and decision makers.
Backhaus said: “Our approach helps provide a clear and complete picture of the best available evidence and will serve as a valuable tool for researchers, practitioners and policy makers around the world. “I believe that,” he explains.
The devastating impact of domestic violence on health
The study found a strong association between family violence and 16 out of 19 adverse psychiatric, psychosocial and physical health outcomes. Child abuse, in particular, was associated with the development of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The likelihood of attempting suicide also increased significantly. For victims of intimate partner violence, the most serious effects included hard drug use and long-term health problems such as premature birth and postpartum depression.
The authors also estimate that approximately 2.8 million people in the United States alone may experience depression as a direct result of family violence. “When you extrapolate these findings on a global scale, the numbers are staggering,” Burgert emphasizes.
Global relevance and call to action
Given these findings, the authors urge governments and organizations to prioritize prevention and early intervention strategies. Addressing domestic violence effectively would not only improve the lives of millions of people, but also reduce the broader societal costs of these health problems.
An important step towards tackling this issue is the first Ministerial Conference on Eliminating Violence against Children, scheduled to be held in November. The conference, hosted by Colombia and Sweden, will bring together leaders from around the world to address the urgent need for concerted global action against family violence.
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Reference magazines:
Burghart, M., & Backhaus, S. (2024) Long-term effects of family violence victimization: A comprehensive review of longitudinal meta-analyses on child abuse and intimate partner violence. Journal of Family Violence. doi.org/10.1007/s10896-024-00768-y.
