Silent Scars: Violence, Trauma and the Health Equity of Women and Children

Dear Colleagues,

Violence against women and children remains one of the most pervasive global health challenges, cutting across geography, socioeconomic status, and cultural contexts. The physical, psychological, and social scars of violence, whether domestic, sexual, structural, or institutional, often remain unspoken, yet they shape long-term health outcomes and perpetuate health inequities across generations. The intersections of trauma, gender, and social determinants of health contribute to deep-seated disparities, particularly in underserved and marginalised populations.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) invites contributions that examine the complex links between violence, trauma, and the health equity of women and children. We welcome empirical studies, intervention evaluations, theoretical perspectives, and policy analyses that investigate both direct and structural forms of violence and their implications for mental, reproductive, and overall health outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on intersectionality-informed, rights-based, and equity-driven approaches that highlight the urgent need for prevention, support systems, and health systems responsiveness.

We encourage multidisciplinary submissions from public health, psychology, social work, demography, education, law, and other relevant fields.

Dr. Obasanjo Bolarinwa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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