THE domestic violence encompasses all physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse in the context of an intimate relationship. “In the majority of cases, they are exercised by men and suffered by women“, indicates the association Women’s Aid. And these can have irremediable consequences on the mental health of those who suffer them.
According to a analysis of the last three editions of theAdult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey – which surveyed more than 7,000 people aged 16 and over about their mental health – female victims of domestic violence are three times more likely to attempt suicide. Women victims of sexual abuse by their partner would be seven times more at risk.
This is the first time that academic research has shown a link between “intimate partner violence” (IPV) and suicidal ideation. “Intimate partner violence is one of the most common forms of violence against women.”, recognizes the WHO. Among women who have had an intimate partner, the organization indicates that 13 to 61% of women surveyed say they have already suffered physical violence from a partner. It is estimated that around a quarter of women (27%) have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.
“Concern that some people who die by suicide may be ‘hidden victims’ of domestic violence, left behind and unrecognized“, indicate the conclusions of the study.
“Shocking and appalling” conclusions
After analyzing all the data, the study listed women who had experienced abuse from their partners and those who had had suicidal thoughts or had tried to end their lives in the past year. “The main findings are shocking and appalling. It is shameful that the clear link between domestic violence and suicidal feelings in women has not previously been recognized as the public health crisis that it is.”said Jess Southgate, chief executive of Agenda Alliance, the charity that commissioned the study.
As well as being shocking, the results show that women’s voices victims likely to harm their lives are often ignored, not least because suicide prevention often focuses on men’s mental health: three-quarters of people who commit suicide in the UK are indeed men. “When a woman presents to services in suicidal distress, she is likely to be a victim of domestic violence“said Sally McManus, a health expert at the City University of London and lead on the analysis.”Our findings show the long-term impact of violence on a person’s mental health. In the worst case, it can be fatale.”
This analysis has caused a strong reaction among women’s rights activists, who call on general practitioners, midwives or anyone who may be in contact with vulnerable women to ask them (quickly) about their feeling of security and their health. mental.
Source :
- Underexamined and underreported – Suicidality and intimate partner violence: connecting two major public health domains, Alliance AgendaFebruary 2023
