Sickness Absence After Experiencing Violence: Does Gender Make a Difference?

Exposure to violence is a well-established risk factor for physical and psychological health problems, including increased sickness and disability. However, most research has focused on women, and little research has examined whether the impact of violence exposure differs by gender. This study examined whether gender moderated the association between violence exposure, timing of exposure (i.e., childhood only, adulthood only, adulthood, and childhood [revictimization]), and doctor-certified sickness absence. The sample included 2,473 Norwegian adults (M_age = 43.6, 51% men). Survey data on violence exposure were linked to registry data on sickness absence from the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration and Statistics Norway. Unadjusted and adjusted hurdle models controlling for age, civil status, education, and income, examined the difference between any sickness absence and length of absence if sick. Women had higher overall odds of sickness absence than men (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.90, 2.75]) and risk of longer absence than men (aRR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.02, 1.52]). Violence exposure increased the odds of any sickness absence (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.22, 1.75]). Revictimization increased the odds of any sickness absence (aOR = 1.94 [1.53, 2.45]) and risk of longer absence (aRR = 1.31 [1.04, 1.64]). Gender did not moderate these associations. Although sickness absence differs by gender overall, the impact of violence exposure appears comparable for men and women. Public health and occupational sectors should recognize violence as a structural workforce health issue and implement trauma-informed, gender-inclusive prevention and support strategies.