Calls for the health system to treat violence as an underlying cause of disease

An Auckland University study's found two-thirds of women report experiences of interpersonal abuse.

These women are more likely to be hospitalised with cancer, respiratory and digestive illnesses, pregnancy complications and injuries

Lead author Janet Fanslow says fear has a physiological impact - and also drive people to self-medicate with drinking, over-eating or smoking.

She says we're not looking far enough into the role smoking and drinking are playing in moderating people's stress response.