Abuse is main driver of mental ill health in women and girls, say psychiatrists

Abuse and Violence: Main Causes of Mental Ill Health in Women and Girls

Introduction

According to Britain’s psychiatrists, abuse and violence suffered by women and girls are the main reasons for their increased vulnerability to mental ill health. The Royal College of Psychiatrists highlights that experiencing such behavior can lead to serious mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts and psychosis.

Key Factors

Difficult relationships, especially those involving coercive behavior, and dealing with home and family pressures, are identified as major drivers of poor mental health in women.

Survey Findings

A survey conducted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists reveals that psychiatrists across the UK consider violence and abuse as a significant cause of mental ill health among women and girls. When asked about the top three issues contributing to poor female mental health, 59% of participants identified violence and abuse, surpassing other factors such as money worries, loneliness, hormonal health, or work and exam pressures.

Additionally, 49% of respondents highlighted relationship issues, often involving coercive behavior, while 48% cited home and family pressures.

Long-Term Effects

Dr. Catherine Durkin, the college’s joint presidential lead for women and mental health, emphasizes the tragic reality of long-term abuse causing severe symptoms, including suicidal ideation or symptoms of psychosis. Many victims feel unable to openly discuss their experiences, resulting in unnoticed problems that can persist for years.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality and Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. Addressing violence and abuse against women and girls is crucial for achieving these goals.

Link to Mental Health Conditions

A recent report by 60 charities highlights the significantly higher risk of multiple mental health problems, such as anxiety, major depression, and eating disorders, faced by women and girls. The report emphasizes the association between the physical and psychosocial experiences of womanhood, including menarche, pregnancy, menopause, and the development of mental ill health.

Furthermore, evidence suggests that domestic abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and coercive control, is a significant risk factor for mental ill health in women and children.

Impact on Adolescents

Research conducted in 2022 by academics led by Professor Praveetha Patalay from University College London reveals a gender gap in adolescence, with girls experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm compared to boys. Sexual assault is identified as a plausible contributor to these disparities, as it is more common among girls and significantly impacts mental health.

Call for Action

Andrea Simon, the director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, emphasizes the need for better support and recognition of abuse-related mental health issues. Survivors often face dismissal or minimization of their experiences when seeking help, including from health agencies.

Dr. Philippa Greenfield, the college’s joint lead on women and mental health, calls for increased awareness among doctors regarding the mental health implications of violence, abuse, and coercive behavior. The college suggests that all of the NHS’s 54 mental health trusts in England should employ independent domestic violence advocates to ensure better support for women.

Helplines

• In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women’s Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the abuse and violence suffered by women and girls, which is connected to their mental health. This highlights the importance of achieving good health and well-being (SDG 3) for women and girls. Additionally, the article emphasizes the gendered nature of violence and abuse, highlighting the need for gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). The article also mentions the impact of domestic abuse on mental health, which relates to the goal of promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

The article highlights the need to address mental health and well-being among women and girls, which aligns with Target 3.4 of SDG 3. It also emphasizes the importance of eliminating violence against women and girls, which relates to Target 5.2 of SDG 5. The article further emphasizes the need for social inclusion and reducing inequalities, which aligns with Target 10.2 of SDG 10. Lastly, the article discusses the impact of violence on mental health and the importance of reducing violence rates, which relates to Target 16.1 of SDG 16.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but the identified targets can be measured using the indicators mentioned above. These indicators can help track progress in reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (Indicator 3.4.1), measuring the prevalence of violence against women and girls (Indicator 5.2.1), monitoring income inequalities (Indicator 10.2.1), and measuring violence rates (Indicator 16.1.1).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: theguardian.com