Influence of Domestic Violence on Mental Health

Abstract

Domestic violence (also referred to as family or intimate partner violence) is a public health problem that continues to affect the lives of individuals of all backgrounds, with women and children being the most common victims of acts of physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Longstanding research has recognized the mental health sequelae of domestic violence and the potential role of social, economic, and environmental factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only heightened the risk of domestic violence, but called for greater awareness of the need for efforts to address this public health concern, especially under extreme circumstances of social isolation. Consisting of 11 chapters, this reprint addresses the mental health correlates of domestic violence among various populations globally, the impact of COVID-19 on victims of violence, and potential preventative and intervention measures to address domestic violence in communities. Overall, the reprint draws attention to the impact of domestic violence on the health and well-being of individuals while recognizing possible solutions to address this public health concern.