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\nViolence against women can cause long-term physical and mental health problems. Violence and abuse affect not just the women involved but also their children, families, and communities. These effects include harm to an individual\u2019s health, possibly long-term harm to children, and harm to communities such as lost work and homelessness.
\nThe short-term physical effects of violence can include minor injuries or serious conditions. They can include bruises, cuts, broken bones, or injuries to organs and other parts inside of your body. Some physical injuries are difficult or impossible to see without scans, x-rays, or other tests done by a doctor or nurse.
\nShort-term physical effects of sexual violence can include:
\nIf you are pregnant, a physical injury can hurt you and the unborn child. This is also true in some cases of sexual assault.
\nIf you are sexually assaulted by the person you live with, and you have children in the home, think about your children\u2019s safety also. Violence in the home often includes child abuse.1\">1 Many children who witness violence in the home are also victims of physical abuse.2\">2 Learn more about the effects of domestic violence on children.
\nIf you are injured in a physical or sexual assault, call 911.
\nViolence against women, including sexual or physical violence, is linked to many long-term health problems. These can include:3
\nMany women also have mental health problems after violence. To cope with the effects of the violence, some women start misusing alcohol or drugs or engage in risky behaviors, such as having unprotected sex. Sexual violence can also affect someone\u2019s perception of their own bodies, leading to unhealthy eating patterns or eating disorders. If you are experiencing these problems, know that you are not alone. There are resources that can help you cope with these challenges.
\nA serious risk of physical abuse is concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI) from being hit on the head or falling and hitting your head. TBI can cause:4\">4
\nSome symptoms of TBI may take a few days to show up. Over a longer time, TBI can cause depression and anxiety. TBI can also cause problems with your thoughts, including the ability to make a plan and carry it out. This can make it more difficult for a woman in an abusive relationship to leave. Even if you think you are OK after hitting your head, talk to you doctor or nurse if you have any of these symptoms. Treatment for TBI can help.
\nIf you have experienced a physical or sexual assault, you may feel many emotions \u2014 fear, confusion, anger, or even being numb and not feeling much of anything. You may feel guilt or shame over being assaulted. Some people try to minimize the abuse or hide it by covering bruises and making excuses for the abuser.
\nIf you\u2019ve been physically or sexually assaulted or abused, know that it is not your fault. Getting help for assault or abuse can help prevent long-term mental health effects and other health problems.
\nLong-term mental health effects of violence against women can include:5\">5
\nOther effects can include shutting people out, not wanting to do things you once enjoyed, not being able to trust others, and having low-esteem.1\">1
\nMany women who have experienced violence cope with this trauma by using drugs, drinking alcohol, smoking, or overeating. Research shows that about 90% of women with substance use problems had experienced physical or sexual violence.7\">7
\nSubstance use may make you feel better in the moment, but it ends up making you feel worse in the long-term. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or overeating will not help you forget or overcome the experience. Get help if you\u2019re thinking about or have been using alcohol or drugs to cope.
\nAfter you get help for physical injuries, a mental health professional can help you cope with emotional concerns. A counselor or therapist can work with you to deal with your emotions in healthy ways, build your self-esteem, and help you develop coping skills. You can ask your doctor for the name of a therapist, or you can search an online list of mental health services. Learn more about getting help for your mental health.
\nVictims of sexual assault can also talk for free with someone who is trained to help through the National Sexual Assault Hotline over the phone at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online.
\nViolence against women has physical and mental health effects, but it can also affect the lives of women who are abused in other ways:
\nSometimes, violence against women ends in death. More than half of women who are murdered each year are killed by an intimate partner.10\">10 One in 10 of these women experienced violence in the month before their death. If you have experienced abuse, contact a hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233), or learn more ways to get help.
\nFor more information about the effects of violence against women, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or check out the following resources from other organizations:
\nThis content is provided by the Office on Women's Health.
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