Mental After Effects of Domestic Violence

Although the obvious symptoms of domestic violence are physical, researchers are coming to learn that the effects could go even deeper.

According to one well-publicized medical journal, women who have experienced sexual assault, rape, stalking or intimate partner violence are more likely to develop a mental disorder. This may not come as a surprise to some, but it is eye-opening for those who believe that women can simply bounce back from their assaults.

The sample used for this study included women ranging in age from 16 to 85. Researchers were shocked to learn that 27 percent of the women were able to report an incident of domestic violence or assault at some point in their lives, a higher-than-expected figure.

Of these women, 57% reported past or current episodes of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and/or post traumatic stress. Additionally, researchers found that women who had experienced three or more types of abuse were 89% more likely to develop substance abuse or mental disorders.

Are you in an abusive relationship that is causing your emotional and physical harm? Contact a Jacksonville domestic violence attorney from our law office now to enlist our help and put an end to the cycle of abuse once and for all.