Domestic violence in any form will have effects on the victim. These effects can be physical and/or psychological. Also the effects may only last for a short time, or could have more long term implications. It is not uncommon for woman to require hospital treatment as a result of injuries sustained through violence. These injuries can range from scratches and bruises to broken bones and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
There are also other physical effects of domestic violence however. Repeated assaults over a sustained period of time can lead to long term health problems that can occur without abuse being present, such as recurring headaches or kidney dysfunction. It is also worth remembering that any injury sustained by a woman can be made more severe if the abuser refuses the woman access to medical treatment. It could be that the man fears that if the woman goes to hospital he would be found out. By withholding treatment in this way, complications such as infections or ‘shock’ could occur.
Whilst very often the physical scars of domestic violence are visible, the psychological scars may not be evident. Domestic violence can lead to mild to severe mental health problems. Victims of violence who already suffer from a mental health condition can find that the severity of their condition increases.
How one person experiences domestic violence can be very different from another. So it is not only the type and level of violence used, but how we process and deal with that information. Often victims of violence will suffer from some of the problems below and will not even be aware that the problem is linked to the violence they have experienced.
It is worth noting that with regard to ‘Substance Abuse’ whilst this may lessen the pain and make the victim in some way feel removed from the violence, it makes it that much more difficult for the woman to leave the abusive man. Leaving an abusive partner is difficult with a clear head and no addictions, so when under the influence of mood altering substances, it is going to be even harder.