Fredrinna Miller

PSY492

Argosy University

February 25, 2011

Domestic violence can lead to many aspects of not only physical but mental and emotional stress. This paper reviewed several research articles that revealed how women have experienced heavy stress, depression and even post traumatic stress disorder stemming from an abusive relationship. Some symptoms were long term and carried various ranges of treatment such as therapy and even medications such as antidepressants. Ongoing research is being done to better help these women victims mainly to alleviate further mental anguish.

To reveal the psychological effects of

domestic violence has on women during and

after they have left their partner which

includes but not limited to:

Depression

Stress

Various ways of intervention and treatment

to help victims

An estimated 500,000 women are stalked by

their abuser, daily

5.3 million reports of some kind of abuse

annually

Many women die at the hands of their abuser

mainly after the have left the relationship

95% of the women that are abuse is done by

their male partner

Wants to be in complete control of the

relationship in its entirety

Physically

Mentally

Financially

Emotionally

Wants to make the victim feel guilty or sorry

for them

This eventually causes stress and anguish

within the victim

Post traumatic stress is strongly correlated to

domestic violence

This stress include symptoms like:

flashbacks, insomnia, anxiety, emotional

numbing, hyper vigilance and avoidance of

triggers.

Stress symptoms can be long term or short

term

Normal everyday functioning like working,

taking care of children and interacting with

others

o The victim finds it hard to leave the

relationship, thinking its her fault, scared to

leave, have no where else to go or hoping

the abuser will change for the better

Eventually this stress can lead to depression

Strong relationship between depression and

domestic violence victims

Symptoms include: helplessness,

vulnerability, suicidal thoughts, and feelings

of isolation, self blame, sorrow, guilt

These women experienced these symptoms

during and after they left the abusive

relationship finding it difficult to move

forward because they are still hurting from

the abusive relationship

Getting to a safe place away from the abuser if is first

Many victims of domestic violence are murdered because they never leave the relationship

Leaving still may not put the victim out of danger but you have a better chance than staying

Treatment:

1. Counseling: both individual and group

group therapy has had successful results for

abuse victims

o Every abuse case is unique and some

victims are better helped one-on-one

o Group therapy allows the victim to here

others who are in similar situations which

let them know that they are not alone

o Short term or long term counseling may

be given

o Grief counseling is a techniques used

the emotions of leaving the relationship

are like losing a loved one

Behavior therapy

Cognitive therapy

Antidepressants-to relieve depression

symptoms

A strong support system from loved ones and

friends free from criticism and opinion

Clearly there is a strong correlation between

domestic violence victims and stress and

depression. Women attempt to leave the

relationships at least 7 times before they

actually “leave”. The find it hard to move on

and the process is rather difficult for them.

There is more to just leaving the abusive

relationship. The emotional scars are still

there and the worrying about being in danger

is as well. Therapy and counseling is needed

to help heal the scars and help the victim

feel better about themselves.

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