Those experiencing violence or its aftermath find it impacts almost every area of their lives. Researchers are examining the often missed costs of this crisis.
Issues
Impact on Relationships
Experiencing violence can severely damage personal relationships, leading to isolation from friends and family, loss of trust, and difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Victims may experience emotional and psychological trauma that impacts their ability to connect with others effectively. (Verywell Mind)| (Womens Health).
Watch the TedTalk of educator, Jackson Katz, on preventing sexual violence against women:
Impact on Medical Health
Victims of violence often suffer from a range of physical health issues, including injuries, chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular problems. Additionally, violence can lead to long-term conditions such as traumatic brain injury and sexually transmitted infections (Womens Health).
Some may ask, is violence an infectious disease and can we “cure” it? Watch this video of Dr. Gary Slutkin, MD from the University of Illinois, Chicago School of Public Health and founder of the Interrupters project talking about his work.
Asthma
There is a significant correlation between experiencing violence and the development or exacerbation of asthma. Stress and trauma from violence can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms due to the body's heightened inflammatory response (Womens Health) | (MedScape).
Education
Violence impacts educational attainment by causing concentration difficulties, absenteeism, and higher dropout rates. Victims may struggle with academic performance and are less likely to pursue higher education, which can limit future opportunities (Womens Health).
Children and Violence
Children who witness or are victims of violence face increased risks of developing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They may also struggle with behavioral problems, poor academic performance, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships in the future (Womens Health) | (Washington Post).
These impacts highlight the profound and far-reaching consequences that violence can have on various aspects of victims' lives, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and intervention strategies.