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Did you know that nearly one third of American women will be abused by an intimate partner during their lifetime?
Or that domestic violence is the leading cause of female homicides and injury-related deaths during pregnancy? Besides physical harm, domestic violence is connected to risk factors for chronic health problems. Women with a history of abuse — as well as children raised in violent homes — are more likely to experience a wide array of physical and mental health problems, ranging from stomach trouble, smoking, substance abuse and obesity to serious depression.
Talk to your doctor or health care professional if you feel frightened in your home. Recognizing domestic violence early can help victims escape before the violence gets out of control.
Your doctor can help you think about your options before things get worse. Victims of domestic violence say that the most important factor in talking with health care providers was having someone listen. Give
your doctor a chance to help. Domestic violence is an important health care issue.
Talk to your doctor about domestic violence — it could save your life. |