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Girls who are physically abused during childhood are more
likely to report poor health
as an adult than those who did not experience it. In this study investigators hypothesized
that women who are or witness physical abuse during childhood are more likely to be
victims of partner violence or emotional abuse.
Methods
Authors surveyed 3,527 women(by telephone) from Washington State, who were
physically abused or witnessed violence between their parents during childhood. At the
end of each phone interview women were given information on violence resources
within the state.
Results
Findings of the study indicate that there was no association between women who were never
victims or witnesses of violence at home and the chance of experiencing emotional abuse or
partner abuse during adulthood. On the other hand, girls who were physically abused during
childhood were much more likely to experience poor health during
adulthood.
The correlation between childhood abuse and poor health continued even among women who had
not recently experienced partner violence. Authors implied that the link between abuse and
poor health is the result of many factors, including the enduring physical and emotional
effects of childhood abuse or possibly risky health behaviors.
Although the results suggest a link between childhood experience and adult risks, the
researchers say the association may not necessarily lead to health problems in all
abused women.
Subjects who were sexually abused but not physical abused or witnesses of parental
violence did not have a greater chance of experiencing intimate partner violence or
poor health. Authors stated that there are many elements, which can counter the effect of
childhood abuse such as the various life trajectories one can follow, psychotherapy,
or a supportive partner.
Women younger than 36 had more than 10 times the risk of intimate partner violence
and twice the risk of emotional abuse compared to women 46 years and older,
regardless of their childhood experiences.
Complete findings of the study appear in American Journal of Preventive Medicine June 2003
Authors and inquiry
Lillian Bensley at Lillian.Bensley@doh.wa.gov or Kate Lynch, Public Information Officer,
Department of Health, at (360) 236-4072 or kate.lynch@doh.wa.gov.
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More media on violence issues at www.srpublications.com
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