Understanding the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Social Determinants of Health

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is often thought of in terms of physical harm, its impact reaches far beyond immediate injuries. IPV can profoundly influence nearly every aspect of a survivor’s life, affecting their mental health, economic stability, social relationships, and access to essential resources. These effects, in turn, shape the social determinants of health (SDOH)—the conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age.

Understanding how IPV intersects with social determinants of health is crucial for developing effective strategies to support survivors and address the broader health disparities it creates. In this blog, we’ll explore the ways in which intimate partner violence impacts various social determinants of health and discuss the importance of a holistic approach to supporting those affected.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They include a range of conditions, such as:

• Economic Stability (e.g., employment, income, debt)
  

• Education Access and Quality (e.g., literacy, high school graduation, higher education)
  

• Healthcare Access and Quality (e.g., health insurance, primary care, health literacy)
  

• Neighborhood and Built Environment (e.g., housing quality, transportation, access to nutritious food)
  

• Social and Community Context (e.g., social support, community engagement, exposure to violence)
  

These factors shape health risks and outcomes throughout a person's life, and when intimate partner violence is present, its negative impact can be far-reaching and complex.

How Intimate Partner Violence Impacts Social Determinants of Health

1. Economic Stability: Economic stability is one of the most significantly affected social determinants when IPV occurs. Survivors may face financial abuse, where their partner controls their access to money, sabotages employment opportunities, or accrues debt in their name. This can leave survivors financially dependent on their abuser, making it difficult to leave the relationship or secure safe housing.

Even after leaving an abusive relationship, the economic impacts can be long-lasting. Survivors often face gaps in their work history due to abuse-related job loss or disruptions, making it challenging to secure stable employment or income. The resulting financial instability can lead to poverty, housing insecurity, and a lack of access to essential resources like healthcare and education.

Example: A woman experiencing IPV may struggle to keep a job because her partner frequently shows up at her workplace, causing disruptions. If she loses her job, she may face eviction or be unable to afford healthcare, perpetuating a cycle of economic and social instability.

2. Mental Health and Well-being: The psychological effects of IPV can be severe and long-lasting, impacting an individual's overall health and well-being. Survivors often experience mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation. These mental health conditions can affect all aspects of daily life, from the ability to work or attend school to maintaining social relationships and performing everyday tasks.

Moreover, the stigma and isolation associated with IPV can prevent survivors from seeking mental health services, exacerbating the impact on their well-being. The stress and trauma of IPV can also lead to substance use disorders as individuals attempt to cope with their experiences.

Example: A survivor of IPV may develop PTSD, making it difficult for them to focus at work or engage in social activities. This mental health condition could result in job loss, further financial instability, and social isolation, creating additional barriers to accessing support.

3. Healthcare Access and Quality: IPV can have a direct impact on an individual's ability to access and receive quality healthcare. Abusive partners may restrict access to medical care or prevent survivors from attending doctor’s appointments. Furthermore, survivors may delay seeking medical treatment due to fear, shame, or financial barriers, which can lead to untreated injuries, chronic conditions, or other health complications.

Healthcare quality may also be compromised if survivors do not disclose their experiences of IPV to medical professionals, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment for conditions related to the abuse. Health disparities may be further compounded if the survivor belongs to other marginalized groups facing barriers to healthcare access.

Example: An individual experiencing IPV may avoid seeking medical attention for a broken rib due to fear of their partner finding out. This delay in care can lead to further complications, affecting their ability to work or perform daily activities.

4. Education Access and Quality: The effects of IPV can extend into the realm of education, particularly if the survivor is a young adult or student. Abuse can disrupt academic performance, leading to poor grades, absenteeism, or even dropping out. Additionally, the stress associated with IPV can make it difficult to concentrate or complete coursework, further impacting educational attainment.

For those trying to escape abusive situations, the need to prioritize safety and basic needs over education can set back long-term career goals, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting upward mobility.

Example: A college student experiencing IPV may struggle to keep up with classes due to stress and frequent absences. If they drop out, their future job prospects and economic stability may be negatively affected, reducing their access to health and social resources.

5. Neighborhood and Built Environment: IPV can force survivors into unsafe living conditions. When leaving an abusive relationship, individuals may lack the financial resources to secure safe and stable housing, leading them to stay in shelters, overcrowded housing, or neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Poor housing conditions can contribute to additional health risks, such as exposure to environmental hazards or lack of access to nutritious food.

Moreover, survivors may experience barriers to transportation, which can limit their ability to access healthcare, social services, or employment. The neighborhood environment can thus play a critical role in either exacerbating or alleviating the health impacts of IPV.

Example: A survivor may move to a lower-income area due to financial constraints after leaving an abusive partner. In this new neighborhood, they may struggle to find adequate healthcare or safe public transportation, impacting their ability to recover and rebuild their life.

The complex relationship between IPV and social determinants of health highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to intervention and support. Addressing IPV requires more than immediate safety measures; it involves tackling the root causes and systemic factors that contribute to poor health outcomes. By understanding and addressing how IPV influences SDOH, we can work toward solutions that not only protect survivors but also help them thrive.

Strategies for Addressing the Impact of IPV on Social Determinants of Health

1. Integrate IPV Screening and Support into Healthcare Settings Healthcare providers should be trained to screen for IPV and offer support resources, such as referrals to shelters, mental health services, or legal aid. This integration can help identify survivors early and connect them with services that address the broader social determinants affecting their health.
   

2. Provide Economic Empowerment Programs for Survivors Offering financial literacy programs, job training, and career development support can help survivors achieve economic independence. Programs that include access to childcare, housing assistance, and education scholarships can further enhance survivors' ability to rebuild their lives.
   

3. Create Trauma-Informed Schools and Workplaces Educational institutions and workplaces should adopt trauma-informed practices to support individuals affected by IPV. This includes providing flexible schedules, counseling services, and accommodations to reduce stress and support mental well-being.
   

4. Develop Community-Based Support Networks Strengthening community resources, such as local shelters, legal services, and peer support groups, can provide comprehensive assistance to IPV survivors. Community networks should also advocate for safer neighborhoods and better access to transportation and healthcare services.
   

Intimate partner violence does not occur in a vacuum—it impacts nearly every aspect of a survivor's life, influencing social determinants of health in ways that can perpetuate health disparities. To effectively support survivors, we must address IPV holistically, considering its impact on economic stability, mental health, healthcare access, education, and the environment.

By integrating IPV prevention and intervention strategies into broader health and social policies, we can help survivors overcome the barriers they face and create a healthier, more equitable society.

For more information on how we can help address the impact of IPV on social determinants of health, contact Hyman Consulting at info@hymanconsultinggroup.com or schedule a free 30-minute consultation through our Calendly link. Together, we can work to break the cycle and support survivors on their path to recovery.