Domestic violence can cause and exacerbate a variety of mental health issues. As such, people facing domestic violence situations and those in their support systems must be aware of resources that can help them manage their mental health following such experiences. It should also be noted that many such mental health issues can be lifelong, and therefore require ongoing management.
Negative impacts on mental health can cause a domino effect of damage in a person’s life. It can affect virtually every aspect of your life, including sleep, emotion management, relationship development, self-esteem and task management. Because of these pervasive effects, survivors of domestic abuse must seek out support and treatment as early as possible.
Statistics about domestic violence
According to data from CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), 41% of women and 26% of men experienced intimate partner violence in the form of physical violence, stalking, or sexual violence. Meanwhile, more than 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological abuse from a partner. Furthermore, it is thought that many instances of domestic abuse go unreported. These statistics demonstrate just how rampant the issue of domestic violence is. While many organizations are dedicated to reducing these numbers, it is also important for individuals to be aware of what resources they can leverage if they do find themselves in such a situation.
The cost of intimate partner violence
An often overlooked effect of domestic violence is the extensive monetary impact that can go along with it. These costs are related to things such as lost wages, court costs and medical bills. The total cost for individuals amounts to over $100,000 for women over their lifetime and just under $25,000 for men. For many of the same reasons, domestic violence also poses a burden to taxpayers.
Mental health problems among survivors of domestic violence
As mentioned, domestic violence can cause and exacerbate a wide range of mental health issues, such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This is a condition characterized by stress and flashbacks related to a traumatic event.
- Depression: This is a condition characterized by depressed mood, loss of interest and reduced activity.
- Substance abuse: This is a condition characterized by the unhealthy reliance on or addiction to a substance.
- Anxiety: This is a condition characterized by heightened unease.
- Suicidal behaviors: Suicidal behaviors include suicidal ideation, preparation for suicide or reckless behavior.
- Intrusive thoughts: Intrusive thoughts are uncomfortable thoughts that persistently enter a person’s mind against their will.
- Avoidant behaviors: Avoidant behaviors include any behavior related to avoiding situations that are reminiscent of a traumatic event or secluding yourself in an unhealthy manner.
- Guardedness: Survivors of domestic violence may find it difficult to create relationships or openly approach others.
- Low self-esteem: Low self-esteem is characterized by negative perceptions about yourself.
- Sexual dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction refers to any difficulty in performing sexually.
- Eating disorders: Disordered eating is characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food that has a negative impact on your quality of life.
- Difficulty with relationships: People who have survived domestic violence may have difficulty starting and maintaining relationships for a variety of reasons.
To determine whether you are suffering from any of these clinical disorders, you will need to seek the input of a psychologist.
Types of domestic abuse
There are several forms of domestic abuse including:
- Physical abuse: Physical abuse is a form of abuse that involves someone causing physical harm to another. An action can be considered physical abuse even if no marks are left on the other person. Physically abusive behaviors can include slapping, punching, kicking, shoving, pinching, choking, withholding food or forcing consumption.
- Psychological abuse: Psychological abuse is a form of abuse where someone inflicts mental or emotional distress or damage on another person. Psychologically abusive behaviors can include things like insults, yelling, manipulating, isolating and punishing.
- Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is a form of abuse that involves someone causing harm of a sexual nature to another person. This can include behaviors such as forcible sexual contact, coerced sexual acts, non-consensual exposure, spying on someone for the sake of sexual gratification and inappropriate intervention regarding a person’s sexual health and decisions.
- Technological abuse: Technological abuse is abusive behavior that involves the use of technology to facilitate that abuse. This can include behaviors such as using tracking technology to monitor whereabouts and spy on conversations, or using cameras to non-consensually record others.
- Financial abuse: Financial abuse is the act of using financial resources to control someone or taking someone else’s financial resources without full consent. This can include behaviors such as threatening or coercing someone into handing over financial resources or covertly stealing financial resources.
If you think you may be experiencing one or more of these examples of domestic abuse, you should consult a domestic violence doctor or a therapist or reach out to domestic abuse resources. You may also look for a local doctor or counselor who specializes in physical abuse treatment, emotional abuse recovery, or sexual abuse counseling.
Therapy and counseling for survivors of domestic abuse
People facing domestic abuse can typically benefit from the support of a licensed therapist, as well as various forms of counseling. Many therapists and counseling services specialize in supporting those in a domestic violence situation. To find appropriate support, you can consult your doctor or use online search tools dedicated to compiling local psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors.
Types of treatment
The following are types of treatment that therapists and counselors use to assist people in domestic violence situations:
- Individual counseling: Individual counseling is a therapy environment where a therapist meets with an individual person to work through concerns one-on-one.
- Support groups: Support groups are groups where people who are experiencing similar concerns to each other meet to discuss their experiences and provide support.
- Integrative therapies: Integrative therapies are therapy efforts that utilize various strategies and schools of thought to address the patient’s concerns.
- Creative arts therapies: Creative arts therapy is an approach where the subject is guided through the use of creative expression as an outlet to better express and understand their struggles, as well as to release pent-up feelings.
- Wilderness therapy: Wilderness therapy is a process where the subject spends time in the outdoors as a means of facing and overcoming personal struggles.
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many unique therapeutic approaches that an individual can take to address their unique circumstances and concerns.
Financial resources for survivors of domestic abuse
As previously mentioned, overcoming domestic abuse can be a costly matter, and therefore it is important for survivors to understand what financial resources are available. Financial resources for people in domestic abuse situations include:
- Continuum of Care (CoC) Program: This program offers support to people who are experiencing housing crises.
- VAWA MEI: This organization offers grants to support those facing domestic violence.
- State Crime Victims Compensation: This federal program compensates people for crime-related expenses, such as counseling, medical costs, and funeral expenses.
- Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): This is a federal program that supports people who are experiencing housing crises.
Additional resources on PTSD
PTSD is a common mental disorder that can arise from experiences of domestic abuse. This disorder can have severe long-term impacts on your quality of life, and therefore it is important to address it early to mitigate its effects. Resources for sufferers of PTSD include:
- American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress: This is a network of professionals seeking to support those facing domestic violence and reduce its occurences in the U.S.
- Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma: This organization offers resources and training related to managing outcomes related to traumatic experiences.
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): This organization supports the well-being and dignity of those facing domestic violence worldwide.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): This organization leads research related to PTSD and provides various informational resources to the public.
- PTSD Foundation of America: This organization raises public awareness about PTSD and facilitates networking efforts related to this effort.
Additional resources on substance abuse disorders
It is not uncommon for domestic abuse to lead to substance abuse disorders in the victim, both directly and indirectly. That is to say, the victim may seek out addictive substances to cope, but they also may begin using them as the result of other mental disorders caused or exacerbated by the abuse. Substance abuse disorders can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, and should be treated as early and strategically as possible. Resources on substance abuse disorders include:
- Addiction Center: This is an informational resource dedicated to substance abuse and coexisting mental disorders.
- The Recovery Village: This organization provides information related to substance abuse, as well as access to various recovery resources such as rehabilitation centers.
- SMART Recovery: SMART recovery is a program that provides non-religious group support to individuals struggling with substance abuse.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): This is a federal agency dedicated to the promotion of public health.
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): This organization provides information related to addiction among young people.
- Zocdoc’s Substance Abuse Specialist Search Tool: This search tool can help users find substance abuse specialists in their area.
Additional resources on depression
There is significant evidence that domestic abuse is a substantial risk factor for the development of depression. Depression can negatively impact your self-esteem, reduce daily functionality and diminish your overall quality of life. Resources related to the treatment of depression include:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: This is a resource that people experiencing suicidal ideation can call or otherwise contact to help them through their crisis.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): This organization leads research, promotes public awareness, and provides information related to depression.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): This organization provides education and support for people experiencing depression.
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Medicine Assistance Tool: This tool helps users find affordable medication.
- To Write Love on Her Arms: This website has a blog and podcast dedicated to overcoming depression, and there is also an associated app dedicated to helping users manage their depression.
Further resources for survivors of domestic abuse
Further resources that can be beneficial for those facing domestic abuse include:
- Domestic Violence Hotline: This is a hotline that survivors of domestic abuse can call for information and support.
- Domestic Violence Resource Network (DVRN): This federally-funded program promotes public awareness and improved treatment options related to domestic abuse.
- National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: This organization makes efforts to improve community response to instances of domestic violence.
- Advocates Against Family Violence (AAFV): This organization provides support for victims of domestic abuse through advocacy, education, and affordable housing efforts.