The latest study by Alaska researchers has shown that all forms of violence between intimate partners – such as psychological aggression and controlling behaviors and physical violence – can lead to adverse mental and physical health results. Intimate partner violence is a type which is domestic violence and takes place in couples.
Over half of Alaska women have suffered sexual assault or domestic violence throughout their lives. The latest University of Alaska Anchorage study confirms that these traumas, if not treated are likely to have long-lasting negative health consequences.
Dr. Ingrid Johnson from the University’s Justice Center said that sheds some light on the public health problem. “We should not just concentrate on the latest experiences,” she said. “A majority of our residents have had experiences, regardless of whether they’re not historical and not recent, can put them at a higher risk or have negative adverse health effects.”
The study utilized frequent headaches as an indicator of health. Women who have experienced intimate partner violence over their lives reported regular migraines 1.5 times more frequently than those who had not had IPV. The women who had been victims of IPV recently experienced regular headaches 2.4 times more often. For cases of both the past and present abuse these outcomes are significant statistically.
Johnson stated that they have over decade’s information on the violence of Alaska women, which they have created a database that they can analyse in depth. The objective is to increase awareness of the impact that violence has on our health as well as to raise awareness that psychological violence is equally harmful just as physical abuse.
“When people discuss intimate violence between partners, they tend to focus on the physical violence of intimate partners which is why they tend to concentrate on the person who is assaulted, slapped, or pushed. These are the perceptions we hold regarding the violence of others,” she said. She also said that there’s a myriad of harmful actions that don’t require physical contact, such as threats, controlling the flow of money or friendships, or travel and psychological violence, as well as insults and humiliation.
“Those other types of violence are fairly widespread, and are actually more prevalent than physical violence. But they also have a significant impact on health, or have significant connections to overall health” the doctor said.
The study revealed those who felt threatening with harm had frequent headaches, nearly three times more often than those who weren’t at risk of harm. Women who had a controlling personality experienced controlling behavior were 2.4 percent more likely experience frequent headaches.
“A number of these actions which have negative consequences on health aren’t even considered illegal such as controlling behaviors and psychological aggression -and they’re not something you can report to authorities,” Johnson said.
Since many dangerous behavior aren’t reported crimes, this limits the ability of survivors to receive treatment who have suffered from the harm, which Johnson acknowledged is an issue for the public health. “So what do we as a state have to offer those who aren’t making reports in the justice system, or using the victim assistance system?” she asked.
