Psychological Effects of Spousal Abuse
In addition to obvious physical pain, there are numerous psychological effects of spousal abuse that are mentally and emotionally damaging. Victims are often dependent on their abusers and lose all sense of self-awareness or empowerment.
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Depression
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In the 2000 edition of "Trauma, Violence, and Abuse," O.B. Barnett reports that 60 percent of battered women are depressed, a much higher average than non-abused women.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Abused spouses may suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during abusive relationships or even after they have gained physical freedom from their abuser. Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety and avoidance of situations that might trigger memories of abuse.
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Self-Esteem
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Many victims of domestic violence suffer from low self-esteem; the October 2003 issue of "American Journal of Orthopsychiatry" states that continuous abuse can erode whatever positive feelings the victim has about herself.
Guilt and Shame
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The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that victims often feel guilty that the relationship is violent and can even blame themselves for the abuse; they might also feel too much shame or embarrassment to seek help.
Parenting
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Children who are witnesses to abusive marriages can suffer from aggression, emotional problems, sleep disorders such as insomnia or bed wetting, and anxiety; they are also more likely to end up in abusive relationships themselves, either as the abuser or the victim.
Men
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While not as common as the abuse of women, men can also be victims of spousal abuse, more often in the form of verbal or psychological abuse rather than physical abuse. The abused husband experiences much of the same psychological effects as abused women, but is less likely to seek help because neither the abuse nor the seeking of help are accepted as "manly" in our society.
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