Noma Boolani has a vivid memory of her father stopping the car on a highway in Durban, South Africa. He ordered her mother to get out. At just six years old, she followed her mother as they sought help from a passing driver. Now 38, Noma struggles with anxiety tied to her childhood experiences of living with an abusive father.
In New Delhi, Ayesha*, 34, experienced similar turmoil. She witnessed her father’s physical, emotional, and financial abuse toward her mother. Ayesha’s father sometimes ignored them for weeks and used harsh punishment. Today, she struggles with Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD), which her doctor links to the stress from her childhood environment. Both women carry deep mental scars from their experiences.
When mothers face violence, their children’s health often suffers, according to research. A study covering 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa showed that children under five with mothers who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) were more prone to conditions like diarrheal diseases and respiratory issues. This study, published in The Lancet, emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas such as Nigeria and South Africa.
Abel Dadi, a social epidemiologist, noted the cumulative effects of different types of violence—physical, sexual, and emotional—on children’s health. His research highlighted connections between IPV and issues like stunted growth in Burundi and malnutrition in Burkina Faso, although results varied by country. The exact reasons why IPV affects children’s health remain unclear.
Globally, violence against women is recognized as a significant public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around one-third of women experience IPV in their lifetime. In sub-Saharan Africa, the numbers rise to nearly 46%. Furthermore, young women aged 15 to 19 are especially impacted, with 24% experiencing some form of partner violence before age 19.
Surprisingly, the link between IPV and child health has been overlooked. A child’s well-being, especially in early years, is closely connected to their mother’s health. The WHO created a toolkit to help combat violence against women and children, recognizing that they often coexist in the same households.
Experts like Bessel van der Kolk and Gabor Maté have spotlighted the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma on mental health. However, IPV is typically viewed as a legal issue rather than a health matter. In India, there’s a shift, as hospitals are now training health workers to see IPV as a public health challenge.
Julie Thekkudan, a consultant at Equality Now, expressed concern that the response from courts and authorities regarding children’s rights is often lacking. She pointed out that cultural beliefs can hold women back from leaving abusive relationships, especially in societies that prioritize sons.
Dadi stresses that efforts to improve maternal health must include considerations for IPV and mothers’ mental well-being. Currently, most specialized interventions exist in high-income countries. Research shows a clear link between gender equality and reduced violence against women, suggesting that enhancing women’s social status can make a difference.
Interestingly, women’s economic empowerment might also raise vulnerability to abuse. A study found that women who earn more than their male partners face higher risks of IPV in sub-Saharan Africa. Thekkudan argues for multi-faceted approaches to combat this issue, as no single solution will be effective.
In summary, addressing intimate partner violence is crucial for the well-being of both mothers and their children. Understanding the health repercussions can lead to better support systems and interventions for those in need.
*Name changed to protect identity.
