Constipation may be caused by physical or sexual abuse that injures the belly or rectal area. An injury to the vagina or rectum or injury to the lower spine can change normal bowel habits. Constipation that is caused by abuse usually does not get better with home treatment methods.

You may feel uneasy if your health professional brings up the issue of abuse. Health professionals have a professional duty and legal obligation to evaluate the possibility of abuse.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can link you to help in your area. A nationwide database includes detailed information on domestic violence shelters, other emergency shelters, legal advocacy and assistance programs, and social service programs.

Contact information

• Call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).
• Call 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).
• Visit the Web site at http://www.ndvh.org.
• Send e-mail to ndvh@ndvh.org (e-mail is not confidential or secure).