Intimate partner violence is the leading preventable contributor to death, disability and illness in women of reproductive age. For this cohort it is a higher contributor than other well-known risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking and obesity. Depression and anxiety account for the greatest contribution to the IPV-related burden of disease. 

The health consequences of sexual violence translate into clinical indicators, including, but not limited to:   

Direct: 

• Injury  
• STI  
• Pregnancy 

Indirect: 

• Depressive disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder / Suicidality 
• COPD / Asthma 
• Stroke / Ischaemic heart disease  
• Kidney disease 
• Obesity / Eating disorders 
• Cancer   
• Smoking / Alcohol and drug dependency  
• Personality disorders / Sleep disorders 
• Unemployment / Disengagement from education / Inability to maintain relationships.

There are many barriers to disclosure of sexual violence for both victims and healthcare providers. These are difficult conversations. The inability to disclose sexual violence prevents timely treatment for physical and/or psychological harm and access to support. 

It is important to respect a patient’s decision to not disclose their experience and to advise them of the support available should they wish to seek assistance. 

The factors on the part of healthcare workers that may result in barriers to patients disclosing include personal discomfort in discussing this subject, a lack of experience or familiarity with asking appropriate screening or probing questions. Competing caseload demands may limit available time for complex and sensitive discussion about experiences of sexual violence in a trauma informed context. 

To register for free CPD-accredited training on Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults click here.

This training is funded by the Department of Social Services under the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.