As we saw in the epidemiology of injury section women are effected by injury differently than men.
Interpersonal violence, domestic violence and sexual assault, are leading causes of injury-related death. Sexual violence in war and conflict situations is another form of violence experienced by women.
Common injuries from intimate partner violence include[3]:
bleeding
multiple bruising
internal bleeding
injuries to face and head
perforated eardrum
burns from stoves, acids and appliances
dental damage
fractures
injuries to breasts, chest and abdomen (especially if pregnant)
This does not take into account the longterm effect on self-esteem, psychology or the effect on the health of children exposed to this violence.
In 2000 in Canada women made up the vast majority of victims of[4]:
sexual assault (86%)
criminal harassment (78%)
kidnapping/hostage-taking or abduction (67%)
Violence Against Women does not just carry significant morbidity, but an alarming mortality. In 2001 women were 29% of the 554 homicide victims in Canada. Of solved crimes, 52% of all female homicide victims in 2001 were killed by someone with whom they had an intimate relationship at one point in time, either through marriage or dating (compared to 8% of male victims).
20% of solved homicides in 2001 were spousal. [5]
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3. Day T. The Health-Related Costs of Violence Against Women in Canada: The Tip of the Iceberg. Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children, London, Ontario 1995 http://www.crvawc.ca/docs/pub_day1995.pdf
4. Statistics Canada (2001) Canadian Crime Statistics 2000 - Catalogue 85-205, Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Statistics Canada. As reported in National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women December 6, 2005 Fact Sheet: Statistics On Violence Against Women In Canada http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/dec6/facts_e.html Accessed April 23, 2006
5. Dauvergne M. (2002) "Homicide in Canada - 2001", Juristat 22(7), Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Statistics Canada. As reported in: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women December 6, 2005 Fact Sheet: Statistics On Violence Against Women In Canada http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/dec6/facts_e.html Accessed April 23, 2006