Domestic Violence and Your Health Domestic violence is the most
common cause of injury to women ages 18 to 44 in the United
States. After abuse starts, it usually continues. And it's
likely to get worse over time. Abuse that starts with a slap may
build up over time to kicking and shoving and finally choking.
The repeated injury and stress of living in a violent
relationship can cause long-lasting health problems, such as: -
Reference Depression Opens New Window. - Reference Panic attacks
Opens New Window. - Reference Post-traumatic stress disorder
Opens New Window. - Headaches, chronic neck pain, chronic back
pain, and pelvic pain. - Reference Digestive problems (irritable
bowel syndrome) Opens New Window. - Reference Fibromyalgia Opens
New Window. Abused women have a higher risk of major health
problems. Women who are abused are also more likely to smoke or
abuse alcohol, which can also lead to health problems.Reference
5 Other health problems linked to sexual abuse include Reference
sexually transmitted in