Precision prevention network: new pathway for supporting women victims of violence

Abstract

Introduction. Violence against women (VAW) is a persistent global public health problem that runs across all social classes and ethnicities with a considerable negative influence on women’s health and behaviour. Early detection, appropriate interventions and multidisciplinary cooperation are crucial factors in tackling gender violence.
Objectives. This note describes “The Violence against women: long-term health effects for precision prevention” transdisciplinary and multicenter project that aims to implement the National Guidelines with two sets of questions: the European Injury Database (EU-IDB) violence module and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) questionnaire for improving innovative approaches to limit the long-term health effect of VAW.
Furthermore, the analysis of epigenetic profile in women’s DNA may contribute to the knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying PTSD and other non-communicable diseases. Epigenomic research in parallel with rigourous guidelines and social, educational, clinical and community interventions could accomplish innovative precision prevention protocols.
Conclusions. Public health plays essential role in identifying risk factors and strengthening the support for women victims of violence.