Emotional Effects on Battered Women

When violent domestic abuse of women occurs, the emotional effects on the battered women are often severe and long-lasting. Women who are abused often withdraw from their friends and family out of embarrassment, and in turn, deprive themselves of a support system to help them recover from the abuse. With the proper treatment, however, recovery from the emotional, physical and psychological trauma is possible.

Battered Woman Syndrome

• Battered Woman Syndrome is a condition that results from domestic abuse. While domestic abuse can be both emotional and physical in nature, Battered Woman Syndrome relates to the physical, emotional and psychological effects of physical domestic abuse.

Stages Of Abuse

• According to the Women's Rural Advocacy Programs, there are four distinct psychological stages of Battered Woman Syndrome, and each can have lasting negative emotional effects.

  The first stage is denial, in which the victim denies that there is trouble within her relationship, to the point of self-delusion.

  The second stage, guilt, results in the victim's coming to the conclusion that the abuse she is suffering is her fault and that she must have done something to "deserve it."

  The last two stages, enlightenment and responsibility, come about only when the victim realizes that the abuse is not her fault, and ultimately ends the relationship.

Depression

• In cases of domestic abuse, one of the most common effects on battered women is depression. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and withdrawal from friends and social situations are common both among those suffering depression and women who are victims of domestic abuse, making depression a common occurrence among battered women. According to aardvarc, as many as 60 percent of battered women report developing depression.

PTSD

• PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is common among people who have witnessed or have experienced traumatic events, including battered women. Panic attacks, paranoia, irrational fear and even debilitating illness are some of the symptoms of PTSD.

Treatment

• Psychotherapy is a common treatment to help battered women overcome the effects of domestic abuse. In conjunction with therapy, anti-depressants and other types of medication are often prescribed.