I am a survivor of domestic violence and all of its consequences and side effects: emotional instability, housing instability, risk to health and safety…all of it. I am a survivor, and this is my story.
Homelessness and housing instability are growing problems in Massachusetts. The number of homeless families in the Commonwealth has increased dramatically by 94 percent between 2007 and 2014.[1] As a progressive state, Massachusetts has long recognized that individual experiences of sexual and domestic violence play a significant role in housing instability, frequently resulting in homelessness.
More than two thirds of U.S. adults are considered to be overweight or obese (NIH). Nearly one in four suffer form mental illness each year, with one in 17 living with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression, or bipolar disorder (NAMI). The relationship between obesity and mental health is complex. Research shows higher rates of depression and anxiety in obese people (Katz, et al. 2000; Scott et al., 2008). Obesity may also trigger eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self-esteem. Similarly, obesity and being overweight are more prevalent among people with serious mental illness (Parks & Radke, 2008).
Intimate partner violence is a societal problem that we all have responsibility to end. Figuring out how we can best respond can be overwhelming. The first step is learning about intimate partner violence (IPV). In this blog, I provide basic information on the definition, prevalence, and effects of IPV. Later this month, we will hear different voices about the intersection of homelessness and IPV. The more we understand about these problems, the more we can end IPV in our communities and our society. Will you join me in the effort to end IPV?
