New study
Domestic violence triples the risk of suicide for women
© Goffkein / Adobe Stock
It doesn’t always have to be punches and kicks. Domestic violence often begins in a much quieter or more subtle way. The consequences are not. A recent briefing shows how women’s suicide rate is linked to their experience of domestic violence.
A small pointed remark here, then a supposedly playful pinch, through manipulation and gaslighting to threats, insults, harassment and control, which often culminates in punches and kicks. Violence has many faces. But domestic violence mostly affects women. In Germany, every third woman is a victim of physical and/or sexual violence at least once in her life, and for around every fourth woman the perpetrator is her own partner or a former partner. The numbers are even higher for girls and women with disabilities, according to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). Depending on the form of violence, they experience violence two to three times more often than the general population.
At least since the pandemic, accompanied by various lockdowns, the topic of domestic violence has become more and more public awareness. The consequences of years of abuse are more devastating than previously thought. A newly released Briefing by the charity Agenda Alliancewhich is based on an analysis of the research results of the City, University of London, has now examined the links between self-harm, suicide attempts and women’s experiences of domestic violence at the hands of their partners.
Three times the risk of suicide
The research is based on research from the most recent 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, which asked 7,058 people about their experiences of domestic violence. In addition to physical attacks, sexual and emotional abuse and controlling behavior by the intimate partner also count as domestic violence. However, the results of the analysis also show the depth of the injuries to those affected.
Women who were abused by a partner were three times more likely to attempt suicide than women who were not abused. Women living in financially precarious circumstances are particularly at risk. About half (47%) of women who are unemployed or unable to work because of illness or disability have experienced domestic violence at the hands of a partner. Victims of sexual abuse also show an increased risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Men are also affected. In comparison, however, women are ten times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse by a partner than men.
It is shameful that the clear link between domestic violence and suicidal thoughts in women has not been recognized as the public health crisis.
That’s what Jess Southgate, deputy executive director of the Agenda Alliance, said.
Affected women need more support
In order for women to be better protected and supported in the future, all public sector workers must be trained to ask women if they are safe and, if so, to provide them with the help they need so that they do not remain trapped in the abusive situations , demands Jess Southgate, so as not to let it get that far.
Are you affected by domestic violence? At HELP PHONE Violence against women 08000 116 016 will be helped quickly and anonymously! Further information is also available at hilfetelfon.de.
Further source: bmfsfj.de