TDH Booklet4 - Texas Association Against Sexual Assault

FOREWARD - Call To Action
men are also physically and sexually assaulted and sometimes
denied quality assistance because services are designed for
women. Moreover, many factors interact that contribute to the
ongoing pervasive existence of these forms of violence, making it
difficult to pinpoint where and how to end it. Violence affects all
sectors of society, but it is not inevitable.
WHY PUBLIC HEALTH?
The health sector recognizes its special interest and key role in
ending violence. Sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking
lead to serious health consequences that cause significant economic
and social burdens for the entire population. However, the health
sector can build on its unique successes preventing other
environmental and behavior-related health problems to focus on
ending violence against women. 20
Health Outcomes of VAW
Where violence persists,
health is seriously
compromised.
World Health Organization:
World Report on Violence and Health
Physical, sexual and
psychological abuse occur
in every country on a daily
basis, undermining the
health and well-being of
many millions of people, in
addition to costing nations
vast sums each year in
health care, legal costs,
absenteeism from work
and lost productivity.
World Health Organization:
World Report on Violence and Health
Even though it is difficult to calculate actual costs, a growing
body of evidence documents the many health outcomes of violence
against women (see figure 1). 21 Violent acts result in death for
females throughout the world every day, with homicide the most
obvious cause of death, while suicide, maternal mortality, AIDSrelated
and deaths attributed to “accidents” also contribute to fatal
outcomes. 22 Studies show that pregnant women suffer high rates of
abuse with profound consequences (including miscarriage) with
homicide the leading cause of mortality for women in the pre- and
post delivery time period of pregnancies. 23 However, more often
females survive violence but experience a whole host of nonfatal,
yet often devastating health outcomes, including reproductive health
problems, chronic conditions and a multitude of physical, mental
and behavioral consequences contributing to negative health. 24
Accordingly, the international and national entities responsible for
the well-being of the population have prioritized ending violence
against women.
Role of Health Sector
In 2002 the World Health Organization (WHO) published the
first world report on violence and health, declaring violence a
worldwide public health problem. 25 The landmark report publicizes
Resolution WHA49.25, passed by the 49 th World Health Assembly,
making prevention of violence a public health priority. 26 Although
the WHO report includes self-directed and collective violence in
addition to interpersonal violence, it makes a good case for using
A STRATEGIC PLAN TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN TEXAS
16