Other researchers, including those at Memorial Sloan-Kettering and, separately, Dr. Bonomi at Rush Presbyterian, are performing their own studies.

FORBES: Cover Story

They are also more likely to be socially isolated, said author Amy Bonomi, associate professor at The Ohio State University.

CNN: Abuse victims report long-term poor health, depression

"People like to sort of think that, 'Well, abuse is just when you have a black eye, you sustain a broken bone, ' " Bonomi said.

CNN: Abuse victims report long-term poor health, depression

Women who have suffered violence also seem to have a greater likelihood of substance abuse, but it's unclear how the two are related -- one doesn't necessarily cause the other, and there could be other factors involved, Bonomi said.

CNN: Abuse victims report long-term poor health, depression