Exploring the unseen scars of domestic violence and the steps we can take to support survivors
DISC Health Equity Action Lab
For millions of people, the most dangerous place is not a dark alley or city street, but their own home and relationship. This October, as we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded that for too many people, home is not a place of safety but of fear. Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, affects millions across the globe. Studies show that nearly one in four women and a significant number of men will experience violence from a partner in their lifetime (Sardinha et al., 2022). These are not just statistics; they represent neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family members. Too often, their suffering is hidden, silenced by fear, shame, or the belief that no one will listen.
The damage is not always visible. Some survivors live with bruises, broken bones, or repeated “accidents” that mask abuse. Others carry the unseen injuries of traumatic brain damage from blows to the head or strangulation, leaving lasting problems with memory, concentration, and mood (Costello & Greenwald, 2022). Still others endure depression, anxiety, or substance use that can be traced back to violence behind closed doors (Campbell, 2002; Dillon et al., 2013). Children in these homes also suffer, even when they are not the direct targets. Growing up in an environment of violence increases their risks of anxiety, depression, and behavioral struggles that can last a lifetime (Evans et al., 2008).
The consequences ripple outward. Research links intimate partner violence to heart disease, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, and suicide risk (Campbell, 2002; Dillon et al., 2013). Children exposed to abuse, even when not directly harmed, are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges that can last a lifetime (Evans et al., 2008). Domestic violence is not just a personal crisis; it is a public health emergency.
But violence is preventable. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine, compassionate screening in healthcare settings so survivors can be connected to help (USPSTF, 2018). Advocacy programs that center on survivor goals reduce repeat violence and improve quality of life (Rivas et al., 2015). And safety planning, making practical, step-by-step strategies, has been shown to give survivors both hope and options (Parker et al., 2014).
What many people don’t realize is that everyone has a role to play. You don’t have to be a professional to make a difference. Laypersons can support survivors in several important ways:
Listen without judgment. If someone confides in you, believe them. Survivors consistently say that being heard and validated is one of the most powerful forms of support.
Avoid “fixing” or pressuring. Telling someone to “just leave” can be dangerous, as the risk of violence often escalates when a survivor tries to separate. Instead, ask what they need and respect their pace.
Share resources. Offer information on local hotlines, shelters, and advocacy groups. In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) provides 24/7 support.
Help with safety. Offer to keep a copy of important documents, provide transportation, or create a safe word that signals when help is needed.
Be consistent. Even if a survivor returns to an abusive partner, stay supportive. Leaving is a process, not a single decision.
Simple words, “You don’t deserve this; you are not alone”, can open the door to healing and safety (McFarlane et al., 2006).
Domestic violence thrives in silence. Every month we must break that silence. By learning the signs, supporting survivors without judgment, and investing in proven solutions, we can create a future where home is a place of healing.
References
Campbell, J. C. (2002). Health consequences of intimate partner violence. The Lancet, 359(9314), 1331–1336.
Costello, K., & Greenwald, B. D. (2022). Update on domestic violence and traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 36(1), 1–10.
Dillon, G., Hussain, R., Loxton, D., & Rahman, S. (2013). Mental and physical health and intimate partner violence against women: A review of the literature. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 14(2), 168–185.
Evans, S. E., Davies, C., & DiLillo, D. (2008). Exposure to domestic violence: A meta-analysis of child and adolescent outcomes. Child Abuse & Neglect, 32(8), 797–810.
Parker, E. M., Gielen, A. C., & McDonnell, K. A. (2014). Intimate partner violence and safety strategy use: A systematic review of the literature. Women’s Health Issues, 24(5), 486–494.
Rivas, C., Ramsay, J., Sadowski, L., et al. (2015). Advocacy interventions to reduce or eliminate violence and promote the physical and psychosocial well-being of women who experience intimate partner abuse. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(12), CD005043.
Sardinha, L., Maheu-Giroux, M., Stöckl, H., Meyer, S. R., & García-Moreno, C. (2022). Global, regional, and national prevalence estimates of physical or sexual, or both, IPV against women, 2000–18. The Lancet, 399(10327), 803–813.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2018). Screening for intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and abuse of vulnerable adults: Recommendation statement. JAMA, 320(16), 1678–1687.
McFarlane, J., Groff, J. Y., O’Brien, J., & Watson, K. (2006). Secondary prevention of intimate partner violence: A randomized controlled trial. Nursing Research, 55(1), 52–61.
Dr. Frederick Echols, MD, is available as a subject matter expert on public health for press interviews and speaking engagements.
About Dr. Fredrick Echols, MD
Dr. Fredrick L. Echols, MD is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Population Health and Social Justice Consulting, LLC, an Obama Foundation Global Leader, sought-after public speaker, black men’s health advocate, and accomplished physician with over 15 years of experience in public health. He has worked extensively with public and private sectors to address complex health issues through evidence-informed approaches. Dr. Echols is a graduate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Population Health Training in Place program and the ASTHO-Morehouse School of Medicine’s Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health program.
Passionate about health and justice, Dr . Echols’ notable roles include serving as Chief Executive Officer for Cure Violence Global, Health Commissioner for the City of St. Louis, and Director of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. In these roles, he oversaw public health regulations, led COVID-19 response efforts, managed daily operations, and developed strategic partnerships. Dr. Echols also served as Chief of Communicable Diseases for the Illinois Department of Public Health and as a physician in the U.S. Navy. He continues to contribute to public health research and guides health organizations globally.
For more health tips follow Dr. Fredrick Echols @ Fredrick.Echols@gmail.com
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Contact Dr. Echols for speaking engagements and consultation opportunities: 404-386-1522
About
DISC Health
The Health Equity Action Lab (HEAL) is an initiative by Dynasty Interactive Screen Community aimed at addressing health disparities in the U.S. and globally. By engaging media and stakeholders, HEAL seeks to reduce health inequalities and raise awareness. Their approach includes overcoming socio historical barriers and confronting the institutional, social, and political factors that perpetuate healthcare inequality.
Howard University Hospital (HUH)
Howard University Hospital, established in 1862 as Freedmen’s Hospital, has a rich history of serving African Americans and training top medical professionals. Located in Washington, D.C., it is the only teaching hospital on the campus of a historically Black university. HUH is a Level 1 Trauma Center and a critical healthcare provider for underserved populations. It offers advanced medical services, including robotic surgery, and has received numerous accolades for excellence in specialties like heart care, stroke treatment, and radiology.
Learn more about Howard University Hospital (HUH)
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (FPP)
The Howard University Faculty Practice Plan is a multi-specialty physician group in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing healthcare and eliminating health disparities. It offers comprehensive services, including primary and specialty care, mental health, imaging, and cancer care, all connected to Howard University Hospital. FPP emphasizes patient-centered, respectful care for the diverse community and provides free health screenings and events to promote wellness.
Learn more about Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (FPP)
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