Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Women’s Mental Health
Recent findings reveal that 30% of women dealing with mental health disorders or seeking counseling are victims of intimate partner violence. This alarming statistic was brought to light by mental health professionals during a workshop focused on Women’s Mental Health, organized as part of the foundation day festivities for the Department of Psychiatry at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow.
Expert Insights on Mental Health Challenges
The workshop, directed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Soniya Nityanand and Department Head Prof. Vivek Agarwal, attracted over 100 participants, including faculty, medical practitioners, and students. Among the notable speakers were experts from NIMHANS, Bengaluru: Dr. Prabha S. Chandra, Dr. Chethana Kishore, and Dr. Veena Satyanarayana, who provided valuable insights into issues such as gender-based violence, perinatal mental health, and sexual dysfunction in women.
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence
Dr. Prabha highlighted, “A significant number of women may not even be aware that they are suffering from intimate partner violence. Our investigations and counseling indicate that three out of ten women disclose experiences of such violence within their relationships. Increasing awareness and facilitating timely intervention are vital to breaking this cycle of abuse.”
Prevalence of Violence Among Women with Mental Health Disorders
According to Prof. Vivek Agarwal, “Approximately 25–30% of women grappling with mental health issues or stress also encounter violence. This includes both physical abuse in marital relationships and broader domestic violence scenarios. Psychological abuse, which encompasses controlling behaviors, criticism, and restrictions on independence, is prevalent as well. Many victims suffer in silence, and these issues typically surface only after thorough inquiry.”
Psychotropic Medications and Pregnancy
The workshop also covered the appropriate use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy and the postpartum phase—important times when women are more vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. Dr. Chethana Kishore stated, “Mental health conditions can intensify during pregnancy, and new disorders may arise afterward. It is crucial to weigh the benefits of treatment against the safety of both mother and child.”
Support Services at KGMU
KGMU’s Department of Psychiatry hosts a dedicated perinatal mental health clinic every Tuesday, guided by Prof. Bandna Gupta and Dr. Rashmi Shukla, offering essential support to women in need.
