According to a recent study by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic health problems are more likely to be reported by domestic violence victims. Specifically, the CDC found that those women were 1.3 times more likely to have high blood cholesterol and over three times more likely to have risk factors for STIs. They are also significantly more likely to use disability equipment such as a cane or wheelchair. The study was an over-the-phone survey with women from sixteen states and two territories.
“Domestic Violence Linked to Long-Term Health Problems,” Feminist Daily News Wire, 8 February 2008.