The Influence of Gender-Based Violence Across the Life Course

Abstract

Abstract Violence against women (VAW) is a prevalent global health and social issue affecting women and children of every age and stage. From pregnancy through to our final years, violence and abuse can profoundly alter the health, relationships, and opportunities of those it is directed towards. Starting with the definition of violence across the life course, this chapter presents the global prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological violence against children, adolescents, adults, and older people and the complex contributing factors. Adopting an ecological lens, the life course literature is synthesised to examine the longitudinal impacts of VAW, using the example of the most prevalent form—intimate partner violence. The key questions that this chapter seeks to answer are: Does exposure to violence during childhood alter the violence-exposure trajectory during adulthood? What are the health and social impacts of VAW? What are the risk and protective factors for VAW across the life course? Is VAW preventable? The ‘Shadow Pandemic’ is explored, presenting the case that COVID-19 may increase the risk factors for VAW as well as compound harmful impacts. Finally, the evidence of posttraumatic growth to emerge out of the suffering of people with lived experience of VAW indicates hope towards recovery.