Suffering from domestic abuse will have an affect on both a victim’s mental and physical health. Domestic abuse is a major public health issue which involves both victims as well as children living in the household who may witness the abuse, or even become involved in the abuse.
Every year, £1.2 billion is spent by the National Health Service from dealing with physical injuries alone, as a result of domestic abuse.
Physical effects of domestic abuse can involve broken bones, bruising, hair loss and burns. Some may be long term with permanent injury such as missing teeth, scars, and brain damage due to persistent blows to the head. At its extreme, domestic abuse can result in death. Two women every week and 30 men a year are killed by a current or former partner.
Psychological effects of domestic abuse, both in childhood and adulthood are common. Depression and anxiety may lead to sleep disorders, self harming and eating disorders.
Victims already diagnosed with mental health disorders may find it harder to report domestic abuse due to the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. Or they may be fearful they will not be believed.
Perpetrators may use a victim’s mental health to abuse them further. For example, suggesting the victim won’t cope without them, threatening to take the children away, or withholding medication.
Women suffering domestic abuse are three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression, and five times more likely to attempt suicide.
Alcohol abuse is two to seven times higher for perpetrators of domestic abuse than for other offenders.
Many people who drink too much or take drugs do not abuse their partners or family members. Likewise, abuse does not exclusively occur when an abuser is drunk or under the influence of drugs. The use of alcohol or drugs is not the main cause of domestic abuse, but is a contributing factor in many cases.
Abusers who use alcohol or drugs may use this as an excuse for their behaviour saying “I was drunk” or “I don’t remember”. Even if they genuinely do not remember what they did, it doesn’t remove responsibility for their behaviour. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse and the causes of domestic abuse are far more deep rooted than simply being an effect of intoxication.
If an abuser is alcohol/drug dependent, it is vital this is treated as well as addressing the violent and abusive behaviour. Dealing with one without the other is unlikely to prove successful.
Victims of domestic abuse may also turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of escape. Abusers may use their partner’s addiction as an excuse for abusive behaviour. Saying they were provoked to deflect responsibility from themselves and put the focus or blame for the abuse onto the victim. In these situations it is important victims get the support they need and the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions and are not excused because of the victim’s behaviour.
Research has shown that women experiencing domestic abuse are 15 times more likely to abuse alcohol and nine times more likely to abuse drugs.
If you are worried about your health as a result of domestic abuse, you can consult your:
You can also view the full Directory of Resources below to access details of both local and national agencies who provide specific services for mental health, or alcohol/substance misuse.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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