The consequences of domestic violence for victims can be divided into two major groups:
1. HEALTH-RELATED
2. SOCIAL IN NATURE
– Health-Related Consequences –
The health consequences of violence are immense. In the United States, injuries from physical abuse are more common than injuries from traffic accidents. Violence is also a primary cause of many other health issues. Abused women are five to six times more likely to require psychiatric care and treatment, and suicide attempts are four times more frequent compared to women who are not abused. One-third of abused women suffer from severe depression, and many turn to alcohol or drugs.
It is also important to highlight the high number of deaths resulting from domestic violence. Data shows that in Serbia, 30% of all murders occur within the family.
Domestic violence is, unfortunately, a daily occurrence and, in terms of women’s health, can be classified as chronic stress, shock, and trauma.
– Social Consequences (the most common) –
Loss of employment (employers often refuse to tolerate a situation where an abuser appears at the victim’s workplace to harass her and cause problems). Women are also more frequently forced to take sick leave or leave work to attend court hearings and other institutions, and if the abuser is a well-known or public figure, he may use his influence to discredit her professionally.
Women often have to change their place of residence to escape violence.
Women frequently lose friends and family because the abuser isolates them.
Women are often confused and may avoid even those who could help them, as they try to hide their vulnerability and confusion.
Women may distance themselves from their religious beliefs if those beliefs forbid divorce.
Women are financially endangered and insecure, due to high court costs and the high price of renting an apartment, which can make it significantly harder for them to leave a violent situation.
Low self-esteem (they believe they are not good enough and often blame themselves).
Poor parenting (women who have lived in violent situations for years develop survival mechanisms that leave them without the time or energy to devote to their children as much as needed. In such families, children are neglected and parents do not fulfill their proper roles).
