Consequences of Domestic Violence

Consequences of DV affect not only the victims, but perpetrators, children in the family, future generations, and the culture at large. Acute medical complications are mostly scratches, bruises, cuts and welts. Only about 20 to 30% of injuries are of a more serious kind, such as fractures, abdominal trauma, head injury, tissue injury requiring surgical repair, broken teeth and spinal cord damage.

Rape has the consequence of unwanted pregnancy and STDs including AIDS. It is unknown how many miscarriages are triggered by DV and what effect DV has on the growth and development of an unborn child. Physical abuse has been cited as a primary cause of female suicide and a major factor in cases of substance abuse. Domestic violence is also the primary reason for 50% of homelessness among women and children.

The impact of DV on children, and long term effects will be the next two topics of discussion.

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