Women who experience violence are significantly more likely to have serious health problems above and beyond any injuries they might incur. The intriguing question is why this is so. In this article, the author describes how three sequelae of violence against women—depression, hostility, and sleep disturbance—can increase the risk of disease. One possible mechanism by which these sequelae increase risk is by elevating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines have an adaptive function in fighting infection and repairing injured tissues. However, chronically high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in a wide range of diseases. The author focuses on two illnesses that have not received much attention in the violence against women (VAW) literature: cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, the precursor to type 2 diabetes. Preliminary studies also suggest that treatments that can lower inflammation may be promising adjuncts for survivors of VAW.
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