The psychological aftermath may mirror and intensify other trauma responses, including depression, dissociation, and complex PTSD — making specialist support and awareness crucial in addressing the full scope of harm inflicted by this form of abuse.
When people think about the psychological effects of domestic abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often the first condition that comes to mind. While PTSD is a common and devastating outcome, the impact of abuse on mental health is much broader.
Survivors of domestic abuse often face a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, many of which are less visible and less talked about. Understanding these effects is vital in breaking stigma, offering the right support, and helping survivors reclaim their lives.
Anxiety disorders
Domestic abuse creates an environment of constant fear and unpredictability. Survivors may experience heightened anxiety long after leaving an abusive relationship.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and social anxiety are common, stemming from the hyper-vigilance developed in unsafe environments (National Centre for Biotechnology Information, 2021). Everyday situations – such as loud noises, arguments, or unexpected changes – can trigger overwhelming fear.
Depression and feelings of worthlessness
Abuse often erodes self-esteem over time. Survivors may internalise the abuser’s harmful words and actions, believing they are to blame for the abuse or that they are unworthy of love and respect.
This cycle can lead to persistent depression, feelings of hopelessness, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts (World Health Organization, 2021). According to Mind, people experiencing domestic abuse are three times more likely to develop depressive disorders than those who have not (Mind, 2023).
Non-fatal strangulation
Non-fatal strangulation is an especially serious form of domestic abuse with profound psychological consequences.
Even when it does not result in physical death, the act of strangulation often leaves survivors facing trauma that goes beyond physical injury. The experience can trigger persistent feelings of terror and helplessness, as abusers use strangulation to exert ultimate control and instill fear.
Survivors commonly report long-term symptoms such as heightened anxiety, intrusive memories, ongoing panic attacks, and even difficulties with memory or concentration.
Complex trauma (C-PTSD)
Unlike PTSD, which usually develops after a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) arises from ongoing, repeated trauma – such as sustained domestic abuse.
Survivors with C-PTSD may struggle with emotional regulation, experience flashbacks, and find it difficult to maintain relationships. They may also have a distorted sense of self, shaped by years of manipulation and control (Psychology Online).
Dissociation and detachment
For some survivors, dissociation becomes a coping mechanism during periods of abuse. Dissociation can range from feeling emotionally numb to experiencing a sense of detachment from reality.
While this may provide temporary relief, over time it can make it difficult for survivors to stay grounded in the present and can interfere with day-to-day functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Why broader awareness matters
Recognising that the psychological effects of domestic abuse extend beyond PTSD is crucial. Survivors may not identify with PTSD symptoms yet still carry deep psychological wounds.
Acknowledging the full spectrum of mental health impacts helps services, professionals, and communities to offer more holistic care.
At Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, we work to ensure survivors are supported not just in finding safety, but also in rebuilding emotional wellbeing. By raising awareness, we hope to encourage more people to reach out for help and to feel validated in their experiences.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, reach out to Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, a confidential and experienced organisation that can provide the right support, including support for those having suicidal thoughts as a result of domestic abuse. Help is available, and you are not alone:
- Call: 0800 69 49 999 (8am–8pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays)
- Website: Somerset Domestic Abuse (including live chat)
- In an emergency dial 999. If speaking puts you at risk, stay silent, tap the phone, and press 55 when prompted.
- For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British sign language (BSL) you can go to 999 BSL for a BSL interpreter.
Sources
- National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2021). Anxiety and its relationship to trauma. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- World Health Organization (2021). Violence against women. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
- Mind (2023). Domestic abuse and mental health. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/
- NHS (2022). Complex PTSD. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/complex/
- Psychology online Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror | American Journal of Psychotherapy
- American Psychiatric Association (2022). Dissociation and Trauma. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/domestic-violence
