COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The issue of domestic violence comes with a substantial financial price.
Every nine seconds, a woman is abused and women experiencing physical abuse spend 42 percent more on health care than non-abused women.
New research out of The Ohio State University is focused on just that, NBC 4’s Amy Basista reported.
“We need to hold our abusers accountable no matter who they are and what their profession is,” said Executive Director Gail Heller, of CHOICES.
At OSU, associate professor Amy Bonomi conducted a first of its kind study.
She surveyed almost 3,500 women and asked if they had experienced any physical or emotional abuse.
Researchers then looked at health care use and costs by the women.
They found that women experiencing physical abuse spent 42 percent more on health care per year than non-abused women.
“They have mental health issues. They suffer from severe trauma,” Heller said.
Physically abused women used significantly more primary care, pharmacy, specialty care, and laboratory and radiology services.
Research that helps victims, organizations like CHOICES, doctors and insurance companies helps the community understand what domestic violence victims go through, researchers said.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the 24-hour workers at CHOICES at 614-224-4663.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement