Invisible Wounds: A Systematic Review of Domestic Violence Against Women

TL;DR

This review examines the global impact of domestic violence on women, highlighting its prevalence, mental health effects, and healthcare costs.

Contribution

The study provides updated evidence (2020–2025) on intimate partner violence's mental health outcomes and healthcare implications for women.

Findings

IPV prevalence ranged from 15% in antenatal samples to over 85% in incarcerated or trauma-exposed groups.

IPV survivors had higher emergency department use, inpatient admissions, and healthcare costs compared to non-exposed women.

Digital safety programs and validated screening tools showed promising effectiveness in addressing IPV.

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents a major global public health concern with profound psychological and social consequences for women. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence (2020–2025) on IPV prevalence, mental health outcomes, and healthcare implications among female populations worldwide. Methods: 18 peer-reviewed studies, encompassing approximately 62,000 women across various countries, were analyzed for study design, sample characteristics, IPV prevalence, and associated outcomes. Results: IPV prevalence varied widely across studies, ranging from 15% in population-based antenatal samples to over 85% among incarcerated or trauma-exposed groups. Across studies reporting mental health outcomes, depression prevalence ranged from 20% to over 50%, while PTSD prevalence ranged from approximately 30% to 70%, depending on measurement tools and population characteristics. No pooled estimates were calculated. IPV survivors showed higher emergency department use (2.6-fold), inpatient admissions (2.2-fold), and healthcare costs (2.2-fold) compared with non-exposed women. Emerging interventions, such as digital safety programs, behavioral antenatal packages, and validated screening tools, demonstrated encouraging effectiveness. Conclusions: IPV remains widespread and linked to psychological distress and elevated healthcare burden. Integration of routine screening, trauma-informed mental health services, and multisectoral prevention frameworks is essential to mitigate its enduring impact on women’s health and well-being.

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