Gender-based violence and trauma in marginalized populations of women: Role of biological embedding and toxic stress

Health Care Women Int. 2018;39(9):1038-1055. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2018.1491046. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) and trauma can dysregulate and recalibrate environmentally sensitive physiological (i.e. central nervous, endocrine, and immune) systems placing survivors at risk for multiple health problems. The researchers build the case that the effects of GBV are likely to be particularly high impact and contribute to health disparities for marginalized survivors of GBV. Further, the researchers underscore a need for a multi-level bio-socio-ecological model that deciphers, characterizes, and explains individual differences in these effects and the need to establish an evidence base from which to derive interventions that address biological effects of toxic stress among marginalized survivors of GBV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gender-Based Violence*
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychological Trauma / epidemiology*
  • Psychological Trauma / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Vulnerable Populations*