Relationships Between Violence and Chronic Illness Among Women

Violence against women is a problem with significant personal, social, and economic implications that occurs in all countries, regardless of economic level, culture, or religion. Violence against women is often divided into three categories: physical, sexual, and psychological, whether self-directed, interpersonal, or collective. The consequences for victims are both physical and psychological. Although not widely recognized and easily visualized by others, chronic illness can also be a consequence of violence, with a long-term impact on the victim's life, acting as a reminder of what happened even long after the abuse has stopped. This paper is a narrative review that aims to highlight the link between violence against women and chronic somatic illness. In studies addressing and highlighting this relationship, the research methods used have raised important questions about the representativeness of the results obtained, and the extent to which they can be compared, particularly in research addressing intimate partner violence. We highlight gaps in knowledge and propose recommendations for future studies and psychotherapeutic intervention programs for victims of violence.