Domestic Violence - the effects of abuse on women

Physical abuse can result in injuries, some of which can lead to long-term health complications. Physical abuse is nearly always accompanied by some form of emotional abuse - emotional abuse beyond the emotional abusive nature of the assault itself. Abuse may be predominantly psychological or emotional in nature. A woman's reactions to abuse may be apparent right away, or they may continue long after the abuse has stopped. Her reactions may be largely shaped by other individuals' responses to her allegations and disclosures of abuse. Some women grow up in families which are controlling or abusive, or may have had other abusive relationships, and this can lead to some women feeling they have lived with the following effects for most of their lives. Common effects of abuse on women include: Self-blame Most women who are abused believe the abuse is somehow their fault. They believe they are to blame for the abuse, that they caused it, and that they can somehow stop it. Many believe abuse is a sign of having failed to make the relationship work. Physical signs and symptoms Women who are abused often experience anxiety, tension, low energy, depression, insomnia, change in appetite and physical aches and pains such as headaches. These symptoms are not necessarily directly caused by physical injury. Shame Often, women who are abused feel ashamed of what's happened. Shame very often prevents them from confiding in others and from disclosing the details of their abuse to legal authorities or medical personnel. Indigenous women who have been abused say that shame is very debilitating. Low self-esteem and lack of confidence In nearly all cases of abuse, women report feelings of intense worthlessness and inadequacy. These feelings, although a result of abuse, transcend to other areas of a victim's life, affecting her sense of self-worth and her ability to manage her day-to-day life. Feelings of sheer worthlessness and helplessness often prevent women from seeking help or from telling others about their experience. Anger Women who are abused frequently experience difficulty in expressing anger related to their abuse. Some may turn this anger toward themselves. In some cases, this can lead women to hurt themselves (i.e. burning and cutting) or overuse drugs and alcohol in an attempt to numb their anger. Fear Many women fear the abuser will repeat his or her abusive behavior. Victims fear future incidents of abuse. Living with such fear can lead to anxiety disorders, sometimes PTSD. Isolation from others Women who are abused may withdraw from social activities, friends, or family. They may choose to no longer participate in racial, ethnic, religious, or community activities. This isolation may be the result of threats and manipulation by her abuser or from a desire to keep the abusive nature of her relationship secret. It may also be the result of shame. Fear of being dismissed by others Unfortunately, after telling others of their abuse, some women have experienced ridicule. Their abuse was minimized, condoned, or excused. This very often leaves women feeling alone, without immediate resources and support, and believing they are inherently flawed. Self-regulation and hyper-vigilance As an attempt to prevent further abuse, some women may restrict or modify their words or actions. Avoiding social situations If a woman has left an abusive relationship, she may avoid activities and social situations that might bring her into contact with her former abusive partner. She may also avoid situations in which there are likely to be mutual friends who are unsupportive or neutral. Some helpful suggestions include: Individual counselling, domestic violence support groups and self-esteem groups can help women to explore and recover from these effects and enhance feelings of well-being. Physical and emotional safety is an important first step on the healing journey.