Did you know that, on average, two women are killed every week as a result of domestic violence perpetrated by their current or ex –partners? It is a shocking statistic and one that is not particularly well-publicised. Domestic abuse is often hidden from the outside world and not always understood by those who have never experienced it. However, statistics show that at least 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime and this can have a dramatic effect on their mental health.
Women’s Aid defines domestic violence, or domestic abuse, as being any form of ‘physical, sexual, psychological, or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour’[1]. Although domestic violence can occur with either men or women, the vast majority of victims tend to be women, whilst perpetrators tend to be male. Being a victim of domestic violence can have severe and long-term consequences for mental health. In 2004, the annual cost of treating mental disorders caused or exacerbated by domestic violence came to the massive total of £176,000,000[2]. The perpetrators of domestic abuse may also have mental health issues but this is not usually the cause of the abuse[3].
Over 50% of women accessing mental health services will have experienced domestic violence, with up to 20% estimated to be currently experiencing abuse[4]. Experience of domestic violence is one of the biggest causes of depression and anxiety among women and has also been linked to self-harm, suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Evidence from research shows a direct link between women’s experiences of domestic violence and higher rates of depression, trauma symptoms, and self-harm[5].
As well as domestic abuse leading to victims developing mental health problems, people with mental health disorders are at more risk of experiencing domestic violence. Research shows that men with diagnosed mental health disorders and women with conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, are more likely to be at risk of domestic abuse than people without mental health disorders[6]. Having a mental health problem can make people more vulnerable in society, leading to poor levels of support and higher likelihood of isolation, which can contribute to the increased risk of being drawn into an abusive relationship or family situation.
Admitting to having mental health issues and seeking help can unfortunately lead to further abuse and heightened control from the perpetrator in an abusive relationship. For example, he may tell the victim that she is mad (and she may believe him), he’ll tell her that she cannot cope without him, and he may even undermine her word if she discloses the abuse, saying ‘that’s not true, she’s only saying it because she’s ill’[7].
Domestic violence does not only affect the adults in the relationship. If there are children in the family, it is highly likely that they will have been witness to the incidents or even suffered from abuse themselves. The Department of Health estimates that at least 750,000 children a year witness domestic violence[8]. Children who grow up with domestic violence in their immediate family are more likely to show symptoms of behavioural problems and emotional trauma, leading to an increased risk of mental health issues as adults[9].
It is vitally important that the links between domestic abuse and poor mental health are recognised because this is an issue that affects so many people, who often are unable or unwilling to talk about their experiences. If you would like to find out more information or need to seek help for yourself or someone you know, these websites are a good place to start:
http://www.womensaid.org.uk – for women suffering from domestic abuse
http://www.mankind.org.uk – for men suffering from domestic abuse
Article by Laura Oxley
lauraoxley@cantab.net
MEd Psychology and Education
Appendix 1
[1] Women’s Aid (2009) Domestic Violence and Mental Health http://www.womensaid.org.uk/
[2] Walby, S. (2004) The Cost of Domestic Violence (London: Women and Equality Unit)
[3] Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum http://www.bdaf.org.uk/help-and-support/myths-about-domestic-violence-and-abuse
[4] Women’s Aid (2009)
[5] Humphreys, C. and Thiara, R. (2002) Mental Health and Domestic Violence http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org/content/33/2/209.abstract
[6] The British Psychological Society (2013)Mental Health and Domestic Violence http://www.bps.org.uk/news/mental-health-problems-and-domestic-violence
[7] Women’s Aid (2009)
[8] Department of Health (2002) Secure Futures for Women: making a difference (London: Department of Health)
[9] Kolbo, J. R., Blakeley, E.H., and Engelman, D. (1996) “Children who witness domestic violence: A review of empirical literature” Journal of Interpersonal Violence Vol. 11, No. 2, p. 281
Leave a comment