Domestic violence and mental health
Domestic Violence refers to a pattern of abusive behavior displayed by a person living in a domestic set up, where they physically and mentally harm, or threaten to harm a person within the household. In most cases, it is done with the intention of exercising power and control over the other person.
Women can access recourse under The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
Types of abuse
- Physical: Behaviors causing bodily pain and danger to life — slapping, beating, strangulation and use of weapons.
Verbal &emotional: Behaviors aimed to degrade and destroy the self-esteem of the individual. These include insults, name-calling and threats of violence.
Economic: Denying access to money and other financial resources that an individual is entitled to.
Sexual: Behaviors of sexual nature that degrade, humiliate, violate and cause injury to an individual.
Cycle of violence
The cycle of violence, a model developed by American psychologist Dr Lenore Walker shows three distinct phases that can exist in an abusive relationship.
Build-up phase: Tension builds up, the behavior is often unpredictable.
Explosion phase: Violence and abuse are at their peak.
Honeymoon phase: Both the victim and the perpetrator deny the severity of the abuse. They may also recommit to the relationship.
Impact of domestic violence
Domestic violence takes a toll on the survivor’s mental and physical health. These issues appear based on the survivor’s lived experience.
Psychological effects of domestic violence
A commonly observed aftermath of domestic violence is the survivor’s destroyed sense of self. The psychological effects of domestic violence can cause distress to a person on a daily basis and affect their routine activities.
Impact on mental health
Exposure to domestic violence can lead to acute and chronic mental health disorders. Women who experience domestic violence are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression in comparison to those who don’t.
Effects during pregnancy
Exposure to psychological violence leads to decreased quality of life, affecting social functioning, vitality, and emotional roles in pregnant women.