Why family violence is a wider health issue

Intimate partner violence is a criminal justice issue. But research is clear that Aotearoa New Zealand needs to treat it equally as a serious health issue.

Janet Fanslow, Professor of Social and Community Health in the School of Population Health at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland says, “Our studies looking at health consequences associated with these experiences of violence are consistent with international reports. Women and children who experience physical, sexual, and other forms of violence are at increased risk of a whole range of health problems.”

The health problems are not just injuries, they are increased risks of cancer, respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, cancers, digestive disorders, endocrine problems like diabetes, pregnancy complications and a host of mental health problems.

Professor Fanslow says researchers are learning the mechanisms for poor health. Examples include physiological pathways like repeated activation of toxic stress responses which increase inflammation, through increased likelihood of people adopting high risk behaviours from abusing alcohol and tobacco to eating disorders. “Each can be a way to try to manage the response to violence and trauma,” she says.

In addition to the personal cost on individuals and whānau, the economic estimates indicate the annual cost to public services of $4 to $7 billion..

Professor Fanslow and researchers, including Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield, outline the research in this video.