Domestic Violence Affects Women from All Backgrounds and of All Ages Every Day
Shavon Artis Dickerson, DrPH, MPH, Health Scientist Administrator, Division of Program Innovation at the Office on Women’s Health & Liliana Rañón, Associate Director for Policy in the Office of Minority Health (OMH)
Domestic violence affects women from all backgrounds and of all ages every day. No matter where, when, or how violence and abuse occur, it is always the abuser’s fault. It is never the victim’s fault.
Domestic violence is when one person in a relationship purposely hurts their partner. It includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Women can find help from health care providers who should be educated about screenings, signs of abuse, how to respectfully engage with victims of sexual violence, and what resources are available to help women recover and escape, as needed.
Survivors of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment who would like to enroll in a health plan separate from their abuser or abandoner may be eligible for a special enrollment period through the Marketplace. Their dependents may also be eligible. This can help women get the medical and psychological care they need but may not have been able to get.
Know the possible signs of abuse. If you know a friend or loved one who is being abused, there are ways you can help. Some ways you can help a friend or loved one who is being abused include:
- Set up a time to talk;
- Let your friend know you’re concerned about her safety;
- Be supportive;
- Offer specific help;
- Don’t place shame, blame, or guilt on your friend;
- Help her make a safety plan;
- Encourage your friend to talk to someone who can help;
- If your friend decides to stay, continue to be supportive;
- Encourage your friend to do things outside of the relationship;
- If your friend decides to leave, continue to offer support;
- Keep in mind that you can’t “rescue” your friend;
- Let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what.
Visit womenshealth.gov and girlshealth.gov for more information on domestic violence and how to help a friend who is being abused.