For many people, there is no more comforting feeling of stability and security than coming home. Home is, for many, a bastion of tranquility and love. However, for victims of domestic violence, the home is anything but a haven.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), domestic violence is the intentional physical assault, with intimidation, sexual assault, or use of other threatening behavior by one member of the household against another. Other less obvious forms of abusive behavior include stalking, using threatening looks or gestures, attempts to control the reproductive health of an intimate partner (for example, refusing to use contraception during sex), or humiliation.
Psychological and emotional wounds
Behind the obvious signs of domestic abuse, the psychological and emotional injuries sustained in traumatic events must also be addressed.
The American Psychological Association (APA) explains that psychological trauma is “an emotional response to a terrible event …” that interferes with an individual’s ability to function as they would under normal circumstances. While the psychological impact of a particular incident will vary from person to person, most experience higher levels of emotional distress after going through traumatic events. Fortunately, these feelings often go away with proper support from family, friends, mental health professionals, and other social networks.
Is it the same for victims of domestic violence?
For victims of spousal abuse and other types of dating violence, the situation is not always so clear cut. Fear of reprisals by the couple may prevent victims from seeking the necessary assistance. The feeling of shame , especially among male victims, can also be a major obstacle to seeking help. This lack of emotional support can lead to increased fear, anxiety, depression, anger, post-traumatic stress, social isolation, illicit drug use, alcohol dependence, and even suicidal ideation.
It is clear that the psychological and emotional wounds of domestic violence are devastating and can haunt victims for many years and rob them of the possibility of living a full life. So if a loved one or yourself is being abused, it is important to seek help, because the longer the abuse persists, the more damage it can cause physically and psychologically.
