Invisible Wounds: A Systematic Review of Domestic Violence Against Women

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents a major global public health concern with profound psychological and social consequences for women. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence (2020-2025) on IPV prevalence, mental health outcomes, and healthcare implications among female populations worldwide. METHODS: 18 peer-reviewed studies, encompassing approximately 62,000 women across various countries, were analyzed for study design, sample characteristics, IPV prevalence, and associated outcomes. RESULTS: IPV prevalence varied widely across studies, ranging from 15% in population-based antenatal samples to over 85% among incarcerated or trauma-exposed groups. Across studies reporting mental health outcomes, depression prevalence ranged from 20% to over 50%, while PTSD prevalence ranged from approximately 30% to 70%, depending on measurement tools and population characteristics. No pooled estimates were calculated. IPV survivors showed higher emergency department use (2.6-fold), inpatient admissions (2.2-fold), and healthcare costs (2.2-fold) compared with non-exposed women. Emerging interventions, such as digital safety programs, behavioral antenatal packages, and validated screening tools, demonstrated encouraging effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: IPV remains widespread and linked to psychological distress and elevated healthcare burden. Integration of routine screening, trauma-informed mental health services, and multisectoral prevention frameworks is essential to mitigate its enduring impact on women's health and well-being.