The press release below was issued May 27 by the Society for Women’s Health Research and can be seen here.
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR ®), a national non-profit and thought leader in research on sex differences in health and disease, today announced “Beyond the Bruises,” an online campaign uniting survivors, advocates, organizations, and celebrities in bringing awareness to the effects of domestic violence on chronic disease. The campaign features a short film that shares the stories of domestic violence survivors who struggle with chronic disease as a result of their abuse, as well as the website BeyondtheBruises.org, a resource center that houses information on the often unrecognized effects of domestic violence on chronic illness.
A 2013 study conducted by MORE Magazine and the Verizon Foundation found that 81 percent of domestic violence victims experience chronic health problems, proving that domestic abuse is not only a criminal issue, but a public health issue as well. “Domestic violence is a huge problem affecting men, women, and children every single day,” said Kristina Paruginog, one of the subjects in the film. “Do not be ashamed, do not be embarrassed, and most importantly, seek help.”
“Beyond the Bruises” offers a snapshot into the chronic health problems that domestic violence victims and survivors incur through a powerful testimonial-based video. The five-minute film features interviews with women who have experienced domestic violence and, consequently, chronic disease. “I made it,” said Judith Salas, another of the film’s subjects. “I made it for a reason, and I want to help other people and help other women.”
“The campaign aims to educate women, healthcare providers, and the general public on the link between domestic violence and chronic health conditions,” said Aimee Gallagher, MPH, MS, Scientific Program Manager at the Society for Women’s Health Research.
“We know that abused women suffer from more chronic health conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, insomnia and asthma, than women who are not abused,” said Gallagher. “To ensure the health and safety of women around the world, we must bring awareness to this issue. We have created this campaign to educate women and communities on the relationship between domestic violence and chronic illness.”
SWHR launched an Interdisciplinary Network On The Link Between Domestic Violence and Chronic Disease in 2013. The Network brings together healthcare providers, domestic violence awareness advocates, and academic, governmental, and healthcare technology leaders with the ultimate goal of developing solutions that will reduce chronic health implications of domestic violence.
SWHR partnered with the Verizon Foundation to examine the chronic health consequences of domestic violence and explore how technology can be used to address this issue. The campaign is funded by The Verizon Foundation. Click here to access our media kit, which contains sample social media language and graphics connected to the “Beyond the Bruises” Campaign.
About The Society for Women’s Health Research
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR®), is a national non-profit based in Washington D.C. that is widely recognized as the thought leader in promoting research on biological differences in disease and is dedicated to transforming women’s health through science, advocacy, and education. Founded in 1990 by a group of physicians, medical researchers and health advocates, SWHR aims to bring attention to the variety of diseases and conditions that disproportionately or predominately affect women. For more information, please visit www.swhr.org.
About The Verizon Foundation
The Verizon Foundation is Verizon Communications Inc.’s philanthropic entity. In October 2001, Verizon launched HopeLine, a way to take action against domestic violence by donating no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories in any condition from any service provider. Verizon turns these resources into support for domestic violence organizations and programs nationwide. For more information, please visit http://www.verizon.com/about/hopeline.
SOURCE: Disruptive Women in Health Care – Read entire story here.
