Lo studio ISS EpiWE

THE ISS STUDY TO COUNTERACT THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE Violence leaves epigenetic “scars” on DNA, molecular imprints that don’t alter the structure of genes but do affect their function in women who have experienced such violence, potentially leading to long-term consequences for their health.

The research project EpiWE – Epigenetics for Women aims to detect and identify these signals and to understand whether epigenetic modifications caused by traumatic experiences of physical, sexual, or relational abuse can be linked to a long-term risk of developing certain physical or psychiatric conditions. The project also seeks to support the development of healthcare policies

within the framework of precision medicine, tailored specifically to women victims of violence, for the early diagnosis and prevention of these potentially violence-related diseases. Since epigenetics is dynamic and adaptable, there may be ways to reverse or heal the damage.

To achieve this goal, women are invited to participate in the EpiWE project by donating a simple blood sample. Participation is open to both women who have experienced violence and those who have not. This will allow researchers to search for signs of abuse in the genome of the first group, and use the second group as a comparison, tracking all participants over time.

All women are encouraged to contribute to EpiWE, because gender-based violence affects not only those who suffer from it firsthand, but also those who witness it, such as the children of abused women. Gender-based violence is a chronic emergency and a public health issue that concerns all women, and, ultimately, all of humanity.

Below, we outline the project, its background, how and why to take part, a glossary, and a section with in-depth materials that will be expanded as the results of EpiWE are published.