Violence Under the Microscope

A multidisciplinary research group studying the health consequences of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in women, investigating the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the damage.

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The consequences of male violence against women are like an iceberg: the visible tip is femicide, but beneath the surface extends a vast and silent mass of millions of women's bodies falling ill. Hearts that fail, cells that transform, brains that degenerate.

Cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and oncological diseases are the slow and lethal outcomes of violence never recognized as their cause. Domestic violence is a real, measurable risk factor that leaves traces in tissues, hormonal systems, and immunity.

Today, we have the scientific tools to prove it. And we will.

Preclinical Research

First study on the molecular mechanisms underlying damage caused by Intimate Partner Violence.

Human Research

Transfers the evidence from preclinical research in animal models to humans.

Risk Reduction

Outlines a strategy to support women victims of IPV in their medical journey.

Uncover

Makes the results and achieved goals accessible and useful.

The research

The situation today

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in women globally, with documented impacts on physical and mental health. Currently, healthcare management guidelines are limited to first aid, focusing on traumatic injuries and the immediate safety of victims.

There is no structured long-term health surveillance program, nor specific interventions that recognize IPV as a risk factor for chronic diseases.

Beyond visible injuries, IPV can lead to the development of conditions such as migraines, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, ulcers, and cardiovascular diseases.

The objectives

  • Refine an experimental model to study IPV.
  • Explore the molecular mechanisms of IPV-related damage at the cerebral and cardiac levels.
  • Test possible therapeutic aids, both behavioral and pharmacological.
  • Validate the findings from the animal model in women who are victims of IPV.
  • Disseminate the knowledge obtained for training and prevention.

Info e news

Femicide

In 2023, 54% of femicides were committed by a partner or ex-partner.

Homicide Victims by Relationship (Year 2023)

For women, lethal violence is predominantly a phenomenon within couples.

In 2023, 63 women were killed by a partner or ex-partner out of a total of 117 femicides (53.8%).

In the same year, 6 men were killed by their partner out of a total of 217 homicides (2.8%).

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