International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Women who have suffered at the hands of their partners are more likely to experience health difficulties than those who have been free from abuse, according to a new study.

A study of 3,000 women conducted by Ohio State University, US, indicated that many of the health problems suffered are not normally associated with violence.

Examples of these include abdominal and chest pains, headaches, acid reflux, urinary tract infections and menstrual disorders.

"Roughly half of the diagnoses we examined were more common in abused women than in other women," said the university's Amy Bonomi.

"Abuse is associated with much more than cuts and bruises."

She claimed that many women may not admit they are in abusive relationships, so health care providers should be aware of these diagnoses and symptoms.

Last month, United Nations Population Fund goodwill ambassador Geri Halliwell spoke out against gender-related violence during a trip to the Himalayan state of Nepal.

The singer said that violence against women and girls is "not acceptable in any country".