Sexual violence against children and intimate partner violence (IPV) against women are serious global health issues that often go unnoticed. A recent study published in The Lancet sheds light on these pressing concerns, revealing the vast health risks they pose.
Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington looked at data from 204 countries. This analysis, which is part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study, shows that the impact of sexual violence against children and IPV on health is more significant than many realize.
“These findings show that SVAC and IPV are not just social issues; they are urgent public health priorities,” says Dr. Luisa Sorio Flor, the study’s lead author.
For the first time, the study connects these types of violence to a broader range of health issues. Sexual violence against children is linked to 14 medical conditions, while IPV is tied to eight. Dr. Flor emphasizes that understanding these links is essential for addressing this hidden crisis effectively.
According to the study, over one billion people aged 15 and older have experienced sexual assault during childhood. Additionally, about 608 million women have faced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner. Together, these experiences contributed to over 50 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost globally.
In fact, for women aged 15-49, IPV and sexual violence rank as the fourth and fifth biggest threats to healthy living, even surpassing risks like high blood sugar or high blood pressure. Professor Emmanuela Gakidou from IHME notes, “This shows violence is a leading cause of death and disability, and it requires a public health response.”
The findings reveal a grave reality: in 2023 alone, sexual violence against children was responsible for 290,000 deaths worldwide, mostly due to suicide and chronic diseases. IPV accounted for about 145,000 deaths, primarily through homicide, suicide, and HIV/AIDS. Alarmingly, experts estimate nearly 30,000 women were killed by their partners this year, signifying an urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals.
The study also highlights the mental health impact. IPV led to over 20% of healthy life lost to anxiety and self-harm among women. The burden here is especially high in regions like South Asia, where the mental health issues stemming from such violence are prevalent.
Dr. Flor insists that the healthcare system must focus not only on prevention but also on supporting survivors. “Effective interventions like legislation, trauma-informed care, and community support are necessary to tackle these issues,” she explains.
In light of this data, experts like Dr. Anita Zaidi from the Gates Foundation argue that recognizing the health consequences of violence is crucial. “This evidence shows that the impact of violence is broader and more damaging than we thought. Immediate action is needed,” she states.
Ultimately, the findings call for a collective effort. As a society, we must confront these hidden epidemics and ensure that survivors receive the care and attention they deserve. To learn more about this critical issue, you can read the full study through the Lancet.
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Children, AIDS, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Diabetes, Disability, Global Health, HIV, HIV/AIDS, Medicine, Mental Health, Mortality, Public Health, Research, Schizophrenia, Trauma
