EXPLORING INFLUENCES ON MENTAL HEALTH AFTER INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Abstract

Women who have experienced intimate partner violence or sexual assault are well known to have extremely high rates of mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, as well as high rates of chronic illness, re-victimization, and suicide. The purpose of this in-depth analysis of the literature was to determine the relative impact of selected risk and resilience factors and the quality of existing evidence. The analysis of risk and resiliency pertaining to mental health impacts was guided by a social-ecological model, examining individual, relationship, community, and societal influences. An improved understanding of these factors and the quality of evidence underlying them can inform future research and interventions aimed at preventing or reducing the mental health impact of these crimes, and point to a direction for more inclusive examinations of the literature.