Ireland - Domestic violence costs health dearly

Citation

(2008), "Ireland - Domestic violence costs health dearly", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 21 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2008.06221bab.004

Ireland - Domestic violence costs health dearly

Article Type: News and views From: International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Volume 21, Issue 2.

IrelandDomestic violence costs health dearly

Keywords: Public health, Healthcare access, Human rights

Domestic violence affects more women every year than cancer and road accidents, according to a new report from the Women’s Health Cancer (WHC).

The report, entitled Violence Against Women and Health, states that:

In 2006 domestic violence and rape accounted for 19 percent of the total burden of disease for women aged 15-44.

Being a victim of violence represents a greater risk to health than raised blood pressure, smoking and increased body weight.

According to Director of the WHC, Geraldine Luddy, women who have been victims of violence also use the health services much more than those who have not. Even five years after the violence has stopped, they still use the health service 20 percent more than other women do.

“We feel very strongly that a health focused approach is necessary to address the needs of women who are experiencing violence... There is more and more evidence to show that violence and abuse are a major cause of disability and ill health for women”, said Ms Luddy.

Dr Maurice Manning, President of the Irish Human Right Commission, said the report highlighted the need for a more integrated response to the widespread abuse of women’s human rights.