A groundbreaking study has uncovered a startling connection between intimate partner violence and poor health outcomes in children under 5 years old. Researchers found that children whose mothers experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse were more likely to develop acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, and be malnourished. This study highlights the urgent need to address the devastating consequences of domestic violence, not just for the victims, but also for their vulnerable children. Domestic violence and child health are inextricably linked, and this research provides a critical foundation to develop tailored interventions and prevention programs.
The Heartbreaking Link
The research, which studied 230,000 children under 5 years old in 37 countries across sub-Saharan Africa and has been published in the Lancet Global Health, Results were grim and unsparing: Children whose mothers consumed spouse violence showed a much greater risk of infections such as pneumonia or severe diarrhea, slow growth and malnutrition.
And children whose mothers suffered all the forms of abuse – physical, sexual and emotional violence – were six times more likely to have poor mental or physical health. The Menzies School of Health Research-led Wellbeing, Treatment and Empowerment: Safe Families Against Violence trial has revealed the long-term damage domestic violence wreaks on victims, from mental health issues to substance abuse — extending into the wider community through their most vulnerable victims.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The results have a serious nature, and show that a global approach driven by multidisciplinary teams is needed to tackle and increasingly prevent DV. These findings indicate that a comprehensive, multi-level approach is needed to address this issue by combining healthcare system, social service and legal strategies.
Finally, as a mother’s health is directly related to her child’s health, policymakers and community leaders will be able to devise solutions that serve the interests of both mother and child. Changing this by creating an environment that looks at families in a holistic way decreases recidivism and broken families down the line.
Building a Better Future
The findings of this study have wide-reaching implications, especially in communities and regions with very high levels of domestic violence. When we look at the effects of intimate partner violence on child health, understanding and addressing this phenomenon can begin to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma that plagues our communities, ensuring a brighter future for generations yet to come.
This study is a strong reminder: We must protect our children and families. Through a dedicated, cross-sectoral approach to mother support, community development and the promotion of healthy environments free from violence we can contribute to ensuring that all children — no matter what kinds of hurdles they confront at home — have every chance possible for success.
