The Impact Domestic Violence Has on Victims

There can be many terms used to describe domestic violence across different cultures and professional contexts globally. These include expressions such as spousal abuse, dating violence, and intrapersonal abuse, each carrying distinct connotations and implications. Furthermore, phrases like wife beating and intimate terrorism highlight more severe and controlling forms of relationship abuse. Similarly, the term intimate partner violence is widely recognised in research, policy, and legal frameworks addressing abuse.

Purpose of This Blog

During this blog, the term intimate partner violence will be used to reflect the common language used in literature (Gabbay & Lafontaine, 2017). Several studies have observed the negative effects that it can have on individuals (Garcia-Moreno et al., 2005; UNICEF, 2000). When talking about domestic violence we do not just look at the physical abuse. Physical injuries are just the most visible however, most certainly not the only area other areas of domestic violence are: 

Financial abuse 

Social isolation 

Coercion or threats or intimidation

Sexual abuse 

Minimizing/denying

Emotional / verbal / psychological abuse 

What are the consequences?

Intimate partner violence does not only have physical consequences on the victim’s health, lack of self-worth, emotional distress and anger are also experienced by most victims of intimate partner violence (Al-Natour et al., 2014; UNICEF, 2000). There are several mental health consequences that could occur due to the experience of intimate partner violence such as sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Al-Natour et al., 2014). Furthermore, gay and bisexual men are at a much higher risk of mental health repercussions than heterosexual men about intimate partner violence (Cochran, Mays & Sullivan, 2003; Stoloff et al, 2013). 

Mental Health Risks 

A study carried out by Mburia-Mwalili, Clements-Nolle, Meru Lee & Yang Wei (2010) further demonstrates the correlation between intimate partner violence and mental health risks, stating that 24% of women who had experienced intimate partner violence identified as suffering from depression. The Commission on Domestic Violence report (2011), stated that 10% of women who had been exposed to violence from their partner took tranquilizers, 33% consumed a form of analgesia, and 11% were on antidepressants; of these participants, 11% had suicidal thoughts.

Victim Advocacy in Addressing Health Risks from Abuse

Further to this, Al-Natour et al. (2014) found women experiencing intimate partner violence faced significant health risks. Moreover, these risks included high alcohol consumption as a damaging behavioural coping mechanism. Likewise, smoking was identified as another harmful pattern among affected women. Furthermore, unsafe sexual activities were reported due to stress and trauma. Similarly, research links intimate partner violence to increased suicide risk in victims. Consequently, homicide has also been documented as a tragic outcome of such violence.

Global Action Against Intimate Partner Violence

Therefore, maternal mortality continues to be a severe and preventable outcome in certain abusive relationships worldwide. Also, UNICEF (2000) has drawn global attention to the far-reaching dangers of intimate partner violence. Next, studies by Smith and Breiding (2011) reinforce the urgency of addressing these devastating impacts effectively. Moreover, these findings highlight the critical need for coordinated public health and legal interventions. Likewise, community education plays a vital role in prevention and early intervention efforts. Finally, urgent advocacy and comprehensive support services are essential to protect and empower victims of intimate partner violence.

Final Thoughts on Victim Advocacy

Ultimately, addressing intimate partner violence requires a coordinated effort between communities, policymakers, and support services. Education plays a key role in prevention by raising awareness and challenging harmful social norms. Support must be accessible for all victims, ensuring safety, legal protection, and emotional recovery. Intervention should prioritise both immediate crisis response and long-term rehabilitation for survivors. Collaboration between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and advocacy groups strengthens the overall response to abuse. Commitment to sustained action can create safer environments and reduce the prevalence of intimate partner violence.

Victim Advocacy: Written by Stef Gafa

If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.

Stef Gafa’ is a counsellor with Willingness who has a particular interest in trauma, attachment, domestic violence and the LGBT community.