Remember: Domestic violence awareness
OCTOBER is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it is important that we understand that both men and women are susceptible to such forms of violence.
Domestic abuse refers to physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, verbal and financial exploitation which is meted out by a spouse to his or her partner.
Many women and men will experience abuse in their lifetime, but according to the US-based National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, only 34 per cent of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries.
Women abused by their intimate partners are also more vulnerable to contracting HIV or other STIs due to forced intercourse or prolonged exposure to stress, the Jamaica Aids Support For Life says. Based on their research, they found that it is more difficult for women to refuse sex when in an abusive relationship, to get their partners to be faithful, or to use a condom.
And physical, mental, and sexual and reproductive health effects have also been linked with intimate partner violence.
It is essential that a multidisciplinary approach is taken between all those involved in curbing this issue — any involved social workers, psychiatrists and other doctors, and the community.
Remember, for the rest of October and beyond, report incidences of domestic violence as your report could save a life.
