Reacción a "Reactions: health impact of intimate partner violence against women and child sexual abuse evaluated"

The article published in the journal Nature Medicine analyses the health impact of intimate partner violence against women and childhood sexual abuse. To do so, the authors synthesise information published over a very long period (1970-2023) followed by a meta-analysis. The authors use a very conservative method of analysis which allows them to state that women who suffer intimate partner violence have at least a 65% higher risk of suffering a severe depressive disorder and at least a 35% higher risk of suffering an abortion. In girls and boys exposed to sexual abuse in childhood, the authors confirm an increased risk of problematic alcohol consumption (45%) as well as an increased risk of self-harm (35%).  

Although not included in the study, it is important to note that witnessing maternal violence also impacts on the health of children, increasing the risk of intimate partner violence later in life. In this sense, as the article underlines, it is necessary both to prevent the violence suffered by women and children and to detect it early so that they can recover their wellbeing and minimise the impact of violence throughout their lives. In this task, health and social services have a strategic role that requires human and material resources and training.