The effects of domestic violence on women’s mental health

Women who experience domestic violence go through a lot of turmoil long after they are out of their situation. I would know because I have been through something similar.

Whether verbal or otherwise, the effects of abuse on women must be understood if we are to help those in need to change their situation.

Short-term adverse effects

Most women, like myself, would categorize the results of exploitation as short-term or long-term. There are many short-term problems that women can experience. I have read several research papers on domestic violence and the problems that are mentioned in most of them are problems that I can identify with. Some of the most common short-term results that women suffer from are:

• Broken bones, cuts, bleeding and bruising resulting from physical injuries.
• Pelvic pain and/or vaginal bleeding, or sexually transmitted diseases resulting from sexual exploitation.
• Trouble falling asleep and/or nightmares.
• Damage to the unborn child in case of pregnancy.

Long-term risks to mental health

What many people don’t realize is that the psychological problems women like me experience can last for years. Women in abusive relationships are more likely to develop mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

The risk of developing depression is 2.7 times higher in people who suffer emotional abuse, while the risk of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder is 7 times higher. These are large numbers and as someone who has personally experienced physical abuse and the trauma that comes with it, it does not surprise me that survivors of such events often become so depressed that they consider taking their own lives.

If you know someone in your circle who is exhibiting health problems, you should try to find out what the underlying cause of the problems is. She may have a happy family on the surface, with healthy children and a loving husband, but she may be going through something terrible. Sharing information about someone’s violent behavior towards a woman with the relevant authorities can help the abused person get both support and treatment.

It is also incredibly important to know how to help a friend with their PTSD to end their suffering. For someone who is considering ending their life because of exploitation, the opportunity to talk to a friend can often make the risk much smaller. I myself have found some comfort in talking to a friend I have at work when I was struggling with my feelings.

Understanding the Cycle of Violence

Women who experience domestic violence go through a constant vicious cycle that causes multiple health problems over time. This cycle usually goes something like this:

• At first, a certain tension arises between the couple. During this phase, the woman may even feel that she has to please her partner by doing what he or she wants.
• This often leads to violent acts. This action can be verbal, physical or psychological.
• After a woman has been abused, the abuser usually denies all responsibility or apologizes for her actions.
• The period that follows this phase is often referred to as the “honeymoon phase.” This is where the victim is assured by the abuser that it won’t happen again and that she should forget it ever happened.

The worst part of this cycle is that after the honeymoon, it starts all over again. Once the victim feels comfortable again, the abuser repeatedly causes her harm. This then leads to a constant worry in the woman’s mind that she could be abused at any moment, even when everything seems calm. This is an incredibly difficult experience to go through, and I can attest to the fact that many victims who are trapped in such toxic and damaging relationships contemplate suicide.

Where to get help

Although many such cases go unreported, there are now several online and other resources that can support a victim. The National Sexual Assault Hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline offer help to those who are suffering the consequences of exploitation. Such services not only help with dealing with the emotional side of the case, but can also lead to recognizing medical symptoms that may be present.

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter if a woman is at school, at home, or in public; she is at risk of being sexually harassed. The kind of exploitation of women that can find its way into long-term relationships is something that everyone needs to be aware of, including women who live in seemingly healthy households. The most important thing to note in my experience is that women should always be able to ask for help and try to find a way out of the situation instead of blaming themselves for what they are going through.