DV and Asthma
The Times of India recently reported on an interesting study that argued that domestic violence is linked to the rising cases of asthma in India. The study was conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health. Key results indicated that:
* Women who are victims of domestic violence have a 37% increased risk of suffering from asthma.
* Women who had not been abused, but were witnesses to domestic violence against another female member in the same home, were at an increased risk of developing asthma by 21%, in comparison to those who live in violence free domestic spaces.
* Even children between 0-4 years old were at risk (30% more) of suffering from asthma if they were living with women who experienced domestic violence.
The reasoning given for the increased risk according to researchers was that, “exposure to violence affected the immune system and caused inflammation, which led to asthma. In addition, those exposed to violence adopt certain coping behaviours that predisposed them to asthma, such as cigarette smoking.…Domestic violence is an extreme form of stress that affects psychologically, emotionally and physically.”
Click here to read the article
The article also points out that according to the WHO, 15-20 million Indians are asthmatics. Thus, with domestic violence being such an important issue in India, the additional health risk posed by domestic violence, only strengthens the call to curb violence against women.
Overall, not only does a woman or child who is a victim/witness to domestic violence feel the pain physically and mentally, they lose their dignity, self-respect, confidence, family and their well-being. It is disheartening that such trauma is inflicted upon individuals on a daily basis for no fault of their own.
As an aside, a little bit of ranting on my part – Domestic violence has such a diverse impact (mental, physical, social, economical) on the victims, the family, the community and society as a whole, that it is a wonder that more is not being done, that the call is not being heard by all. We are all aware that its happening, we know why it happens, we know its effects – yet the abuse goes on. Most of us condemn such violence, but it still goes on…..its just depressing!
However, on the bright side, at least there is some change, a new law, and some committed organizations working on reducing violence against women. Individuals now need to take responsibility and bring about positive change in whichever way they can…As Armstrong once said, ‘that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ This site is a great example, of how each person can take their own first step and make a difference.
Tagged domestic violence, Law
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