(Feb. 4, 2014) Abuse from intimate partners is nearly four times more likely for women diagnosed with severe mental illness, according to a new study published in the journal Biomed Central Public Health (“Mentally ill women are much more likely to be in an abusive relationship,” Examiner.com, Jan. 30).
Physical, sexual, emotional, and financial violence were among the types of abuse that were more likely to occur among women with a mental disorder, the researchers found in a sample of 6,851 women.
The findings "suggest that prevention and intervention activities may need to better target women with mental health disabilities, to help alleviate the suffering and negative impact of partner abuse,” said the study’s lead author, Janice Du Month of Women’s College Research Institute.
We agree. Although the study did not determine whether mental illness made this victimization more likely or vice-versa, it is clear that in addition to services that address domestic abuse, improved treatment for mental illness is essential.
Better yet, earlier treatment and assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) for those who need it can prevent severe mental illness from further disabling those it affects.
We already know that victimization is among the consequences of untreated severe mental illness and now we can add that intimate partner violence is associated with it as well.
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