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Throughout America, many women find themselves in relationships with men that all of a sudden become verbally and physically abusive. They know that these relationships are not good for their emotional and psychological health, yet they continue to stay in the relationship. Why? It could be love, or low self-esteem, or maybe even denial. But whatever the reason, domestic violence impacts women’s mental health. October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and women should know that it’s never too late to seek help from an abusive relationship.
The Cycle of Abuse
I read an article recently that included an interesting diagram outlining the different stages of abuse. According to the diagram, the first stage in the cycle of abuse involves tension. During this stage, stress starts to develop and the woman may try to appease her abuser. The actual act of abuse, whether physical or psychological, occurs during the second stage. After this, a stage of reconciliation occurs where the abuser apologizes or denies his responsibility for the incident. The fourth and final stage, also called the “honeymoon” phase, is a period of calmness, during which the abuser influences the victim to forget the abuse ever happened. Unfortunately, this stage perpetuates the cycle of abuse to start all over again.
Type of Mental Disorders Women Suffer From
Women who endure physical or emotional abuse tend to suffer from several mental illnesses. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. One study shows that the likelihood of abused women experiencing PTSD is seven times higher than for those who have not been abused. The risk of abused women developing depression and anxiety is also high. Clearly, being in an abusive relationship is detrimental to a woman’s overall emotional and mental health.
How Domestic Violence Can Affect Women’s Lives
Physical abuse can impact women’s day-to-day lives in addition to their mental health. Their performance at work or school may start to falter. They may find it hard to concentrate on completing tasks. Half of the women who have experienced domestic abuse have either had to leave their job or education or were forced into doing so within the first year of assault. Many of these women have also become homeless trying to escape with their children from an abusive partner. Additionally, most victims of abuse are usually afraid to report the offense. If they have children with their partner, they are also afraid to lose custody of their children.
How Women Can Seek Help Today
The good news is that if you are a woman in an abusive relationship, you can seek help before it is too late. Doctors can provide medical treatment, while mental health professionals can work with women to help build their self-esteem and develop coping skills to manage their mental health issues. There is a useful search engine where women can find treatment centers to help them cope with an abusive relationship. You can also contact the following hotlines for assistance:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline– Call or chat online with a professional to seek immediate help from an abusive relationship. They also have 24/7 access to resources and support for victims.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline– The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization is devoted to helping victims of sexual assault cases, educating the public about sexual assault and domestic violence, and improving public policy. You can get 24/7 help through their phone hotline or via live chat.
In addition to the links above, Step Up for Mental Health provides many resources for families needing mental health support, including those dealing with domestic violence. Fill out a form on our website and someone will be in contact with you today.
