Depression-The link between partner violence and food insecurity

Women facing physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their partners are more likely to being food insecure, a new study revealed.

Women facing physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their partners are more likely to being food insecure, a new study revealed.. That's according to a new study out of the University of Houston Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC), which may prove valuable to those creating interventions for those populations.

"The bridge between the two issues is depression," said assistant professor and TORC researcher Daphne Hernandez. "Our study found that women experiencing intimate partner violence are more likely to be depressed, which impacts their ability to ensure a food-secure household."

Childhood Sexual Abuse Spurs Heart Attacks in Men: Study
A new study reveals men who go through childhood sexual abuse are thrice as likely to suffer a heart attack than men who had not experienced similar abuse as children.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Core Food Security Module, "food insecurity" reflects rationing, portion control and inability to offer families balanced meals.

Hernandez followed data from nearly 1,700 women involved in a romantic relationship (married or cohabitating with a partner) who also had experienced intimate partner violence (physical, mental and/or sexual).

She found that mothers who experienced intimate partner violence were at 44 percent greater odds of experiencing depression. Additionally, households in which mothers experienced depression were twice as likely to experience food insecurity.

Study Finds Sexual Abuse Rampant Among Teens in Recent Years
90 per cent of teenagers, aged 12-18, have been victims of some level of sexual violence

"It appears that depression may impact mothers' motivation to obtain and prepare food due to their decreased appetite, mental and physical fatigue and feelings of being overwhelmed," she said. "Additionally the moms' feelings of helplessness, brought on by the violence they experienced, may challenged them to access the proper support."

Hernandez studies the impact of family dynamics on nutrition, health and obesity. She says few studies have examined how maternal health challenges impact a household's food security. The goal of this study was to increase the understanding of how the family environment and women's health impact the lives of families with young children. She says this information may prove valuable for those organizations charged with supporting families in times of crisis.

Sexual abuse affect health for a lifetime
Sexual abuse occurred when the women were 16 years old and the men were 13.5 years old revealed by a study conducted by California University

"What this means is that targeting issues central to women's health must become a priority in combating food insecurity," Hernandez said. "Providing mental health screenings at the time individuals apply for food assistance may help identify women who need interventions to keep them safe, mental healthy and food secure."

Source-Eurekalert