Domestic violence has a significant impact on mental health.

While that may seem like common sense, there is now a growing body of evidence indicating that experiencing abuse plays a significant role in the development and exacerbation of mental disorders and substance abuse problems, increases the risk for victimization, and influences the course of recovery from a range of psychiatric illnesses.

Across studies of battered women, rates of:

• PTSD range from 54% to 84% (1)
• Depression range from 63% to 77% (2)
• Anxiety range from 38% to 75% (3)
  

On average, over half of women seen in a range of mental health settings are either currently experiencing or have experienced abuse by an intimate partner.

Many have endured multiple forms of abuse across their lives putting them at greater risk for posttraumatic mental health problems such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, and exacerbations of co-occurring psychiatric conditions, subsequently affecting their ability to mobilize resources necessary to protect themselves and their children.

Despite the tremendous impact that traumatic victimization and on-going abuse can have on the mental health of abuse victims and their children, collaborative models for addressing these issues have been slow in developing.

Mental health and substance abuse service providers are not routinely trained to address the social factors that entrap victims in abusive relationships, which can result in falsely interpreting survival strategies as disorders, overlooking the advocacy needs (shelter, legal assistance, safety planning) of domestic violence victims, and not understanding the risks a psychiatric diagnosis can pose for custody battles with an abusive spouse. Likewise, domestic violence advocates are generally not prepared to assess mental health problems and few programs possess the resources to address the mental health needs of the women they serve. This is particularly true for women diagnosed with serious mental illness or substance abuse problems - problems that are often exacerbated by chronic violation and abuse. For a person struggling to find safety from abuse and recover from its traumatic effects, the lack of training and the absence of collaboration among service providers impedes optimal care. Linking domestic violence advocacy with mental health and substance abuse service delivery is critical for the prevention of future violence and its sequelae.

For more information about domestic violence, trauma, and mental health, download our document "Domestic Violence, Mental Health and Trauma: Research Highlights" available on the Publications page.

(1) Kubany et al, 1995; Kemp, Rawlings and Green, 1991.
(2) Gleason, 1993; Follingstad et al, 1991
(3) Gleason, 1993; Follingstad et al, 1991