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What Are the Mental Health Effects of Domestic Violence?
MENTAL HEALTH EFFECT
Domestic violence can lead to other common emotional traumas such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder. Abuse can trigger suicide attempts, psychotic episodes, homelessness and slow recovery from mental illness. Children exposed to domestic violence are at risk for developmental problems, psychiatric disorders, school difficulties, aggressive behavior, and low self-esteem. These factors can make it difficult for survivors to mobilize resources. Nonetheless, many domestic violence survivors do not need mental health treatment and many symptoms resolve once they and their children are safe and have support. For others, treatment is in their plan for safety and recovery.
What You Can Do if You Are Being Abused
While you cannot stop your partner’s abuse—only he or she can do that—you can find help and support for yourself.
- Talk with someone you trust: a friend or relative, a neighbor, coworker or religious or spiritual advisor. Tell your physician, nurse, psychiatrist or therapist about the abuse.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline [1-800-799-SAFE (7233)], your state domestic violence coalition, and/or a local domestic violence agency.
- Call the police if you are in danger.
- Remember, you know your situation better than anyone else. Don’t let someone talk you into doing something that isn’t right for you.
For comprehensive information on domestic violence and other forms of abuse, visit the .
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Resources
For more information, please contact:
American Psychiatric Association (APA)
1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209
703-907-7300
www.HealthyMinds.org
National Domestic Violence
Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
www.ndvh.org
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
303-839-1852
www.ncadv.org
National Network to End Domestic Violence
202-543-5566
www.nnedv.org
The Family Violence Prevention Fund
415-252-8900
www.endabuse.org
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
800-537-2238
www.nrcdv.org
The Battered Women’s Justice Project
800-903-0111
http://www.bwjp.org/
The Domestic Violence and Mental Health Policy Initiative
312-726-7020
www.dvmhpi.org
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
800-656-HOPE
www.rainn.org
Source: American Psychiatric Association fact sheet on Domestic Violence. April 2005.
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