1. Psychological effects of Domestic Violence in women Fredrinna Miller PSY492 Argosy University February 25, 2011

2. Abstract Domestic violence can lead to many aspects of not only physical but mental and emotional stress. This paper reviewed several research articles that revealed how women have experienced heavy stress, depression and even post traumatic stress disorder stemming from an abusive relationship. Some symptoms were long term and carried various ranges of treatment such as therapy and even medications such as antidepressants. Ongoing research is being done to better help these women victims mainly to alleviate further mental anguish.

3. Objective To reveal the psychological effects of domestic violence has on women during and after they have left their partner which includes but not limited to: Depression Stress Various ways of intervention and treatment to help victims

4. About Domestic violence An estimated 500,000 women are stalked by their abuser, daily 5.3 million reports of some kind of abuse annually Many women die at the hands of their abuser mainly after the have left the relationship 95% of the women that are abuse is done by their male partner

5. The abuser Wants to be in complete control of the relationship in its entirety Physically Mentally Financially Emotionally Wants to make the victim feel guilty or sorry for them This eventually causes stress and anguish within the victim

6. The stress from abuse Post traumatic stress is strongly correlated to domestic violence This stress include symptoms like: flashbacks, insomnia, anxiety, emotional numbing, hyper vigilance and avoidance of triggers. Stress symptoms can be long term or short term

8. Depression and domestic violence Strong relationship between depression and domestic violence victims Symptoms include: helplessness, vulnerability, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of isolation, self blame, sorrow, guilt These women experienced these symptoms during and after they left the abusive relationship finding it difficult to move forward because they are still hurting from the abusive relationship

9. Intervention and treatment Getting to a safe place away from the abuser if is first Many victims of domestic violence are murdered because they never leave the relationship Leaving still may not put the victim out of danger but you have a better chance than staying Treatment: 1. Counseling: both individual and group group therapy has had successful results for abuse victims

11. treatment Behavior therapy Cognitive therapy Antidepressants-to relieve depression symptoms A strong support system from loved ones and friends free from criticism and opinion

12. conclusion Clearly there is a strong correlation between domestic violence victims and stress and depression. Women attempt to leave the relationships at least 7 times before they actually “leave”. The find it hard to move on and the process is rather difficult for them. There is more to just leaving the abusive relationship. The emotional scars are still there and the worrying about being in danger is as well. Therapy and counseling is needed to help heal the scars and help the victim feel better about themselves.