Gender-Based Violence is a Never to be Forgotten Social Determinant of Health: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) has been internationally recognized as a serious and pervasive phenomenon affecting women’s lives and health. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that about 30% of women have experienced worldwide some form of violence. GBV (in addition to clearly visible immediate effects) induces long-term effects, including an increased incidence of many noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes or cancer. In the last few years, it has also been demonstrated that the signs of violence interfere with genome plasticity and gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. The underestimation of the problem does not allow us to put in place preventive health mechanisms that could cushion the damage (prevent post-traumatic stress disorders—PTSDs—and the evaluation of epigenetic changes) to avoid the onset of the diseases. Appropriate interventions could reduce many of these long-term health effects while failure to intervene could be a significant source of health inequalities. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the available evidence on the relationship between GBV, its long-term effects on health, and as victims’ living conditions, and socioeconomic position of determining both.