GBE Booklet 42 "Health consequences of violence"

Abstract

The high incidence of domestic and public violence affecting women and children, but also men causes considerable health consequences, and more attention should be paid to this issue in medical diagnostics and preventive medicine. Recognizing violence as the cause of physical and psychological problems can help overcome the provision of too much, too little and/or the wrong care for victims. Public health institutions are often the first and only places where people go to seek help for acute injuries and health problems resulting from violence; they therefore play a key role in intervention and the prevention of further violence. This booklet presents the results of national and international research on the health consequences of violence, paying particular attention to domestic violence against women. It also suggests guidelines and best-practice approaches to assisting the victims of violence.