Health impact of violence

The Word Health Organization exposes violence against women as one of the top health risks for women and girls. One in five Austrian women experiences violence at some stage of her life. Similar data is found in all of Europe.

Violence against women happens physically, sexually, psychologically, economically or socially - on the personal or structural level. Personal and structural violence are mutually dependent and complementing. Structural violence manifests itself in an imbalance of power and unequal opportunities for women and men.

Since enormous health risks are caused by violence the health care system is a key player in addressing affected women. Major health risks include acute injuries such as bruises, fractures, wounds, burns, internal injuries, unwanted pregnancies and miscarriages. Long term and chronic effects include back and stomach pain, gynecological problems, complications during pregnancy and birth, psychological problems and risks of suicide.

Health care for women affected by violence in Austria

In Austria the health care system has so far not been adequately and consistently addressing affected women. Tasks should include recognizing violence as a cause for health problems, appropriate medical care and documentation fit for court trials as well as referring the victims to specialized trauma treatment, victims’ organizations and self-help groups.

Health effects of violence against women – a project in cooperation with the Styrian Hospital Corporation

Experts of women’s shelters in the province of Lower Austria developed the first Austrian curriculum “Violence against Women” in 1997 to train health professionals.  The Women’s Health Center in Graz transferred this to Styria conducting a 15 month project in cooperation with the Styrian Hospital Corporation of the public hospitals (KAGes) from October 2007 to December 2008. 8 trainer teams – one counselor/psychotherapist, one physician – were trained in a program to conduct 13 advanced trainings with hospital staff including nurses, physicians, midwives, psychologists and medical-technical assistants.

The training builds awareness on the various forms of violence against women, acute and long term health effects and the importance of the health care system as the place for affected women to turn to. Furthermore, the participants learned about adequate intervention, documentation, the legal background and outpatient women’s shelters and service centers.

Further activities of the Women’s Health Center

In March 2010 the first national guideline “Health care for women affected by violence – A guideline for hospitals and medical practice” was issued by the Federal Ministry of Economics, Family and Youth. The Women’s Health Center participated in working out this guideline. We are an active member of a national group of women’s activists from different sectors and professional backgrounds promoting the implementation of this national guideline in all provinces of Austria.  We are an active member of the Styrian Network Against (Sexualized) Violence in which we initiated the working group Violence and Health. We continue training health professionals through presentations, continue media outreach and lobbying for adequate treatment and referrals of affected women.

Link to the German site|