When one thinks of violence, one thinks of physical abuse. However, domestic violence can range from physical to emotional violence and can happen to anyone.
Unfortunately, not many red flags at the beginning of a relationship can warn the victim of potential domestic violence. Domestic violence often develops over time, and the victim can feel trapped in the relationship. It can be easy for someone who is not a victim of domestic violence to advise them to leave, but it is not always that easy. Domestic abusers can control everything from money to threatening physical harm. The long-term psychological effects of domestic violence on mental health are one of the many consequences.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
After someone survives domestic violence, they are likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. Many people attribute PTSD to the military, but PTSD can happen to anyone suffering from a traumatic event. Long-term exposure to traumatic experiences, such as prolonged domestic violence, also causes PTSD. One of the long-term consequences of PTSD is the victim being too afraid to enter a new relationship, avoiding certain areas, or not doing activities they loved to do before to avoid reminding themselves or reliving the trauma.
Depression
It is no wonder why physical violence, forced intercourse, controlling behavior, or psychological abuse can cause depression. The depression a survivor ends up suffering can be debilitating. Suffering from depression can also make it difficult to carry out the simplest of daily tasks. Worse, many domestic violence survivors do not seek help, which can lead to worsening mental health or even suicide.
Addiction and Substance Abuse
Unfortunately, many domestic violence victims do not know how to cope with months or years of various forms of abuse. Many victims turn to alcohol or drugs and develop substances to deal with the pain. This unhealthy coping mechanism can train the brain to continue seeking out these substances that end up sending victims into a spiraling addiction cycle.
These are only some of the unfortunate and far-reaching consequences of domestic violence. It is essential to seek out resources and help when someone believes they are victims of domestic violence.
