Mental Health

There is research evidence that domestic violence causes rather than follows mental health problems. A review of 41 different studies showed:

• A large association between domestic violence and different signs of mental distress (depression, post traumatic stress, self-harm and substance use)
• This association between domestic violence and signs of mental distress is repeated and holds over different places, people and times
• Mental health symptoms occur after, not before, the domestic violence starts
• The more severe or frequent the violence, the greater the risk of mental distress
• When violence stops, mental health improves; and if violence returns, mental health gets worse.

[Golding, J. (1999) Intimate partner violence as a risk factor for mental disorders: a meta-analysis. Journal of Family Violence, 14(2), 99-132]

 

Research from 2003 showed that eight out of ten doctors said they prescribed more antidepressants than they should, mostly to women. [Norwich Union Healthcare (2003), Doctors orders: Health of the nation index, Norwich Union: London]

 

At least half of all women in touch with mental health services have experienced violence and abuse, yet the level of awareness amongst mental health professionals appears low and women are rarely asked about their experience of violence or sexual abuse. [Department of Health (1999), Secure futures for women: Making a difference, Department of Health: London]

 

A high proportion of Irish women suffer from various mental health problems and Irish women have the highest rates of suicide and self-harm. Admission rates for depression amongst Irish women are 410 per 100,000, compared with a rate of 166 amongst English women. [Walls, P. (2004), Inside outside: improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic communities in England, National Institute for Mental Health in England: London]

 

One study found that 50% of all women surveyed who had experienced violence had a clinical mental health diagnosis compared to only 20% of women who had not experienced violence. [Ledermir, A., Schraiber., L., D'Oliveira, A., Franca-Junior, I., Jansen, H. (2008). Violence Against Women by their Intimate Partner and Common Mental Disorders. Social Science & Medicine, 66(4), 1013 cited in BC Society of Transition Houses (2011) Report on Violence Against Women, Mental Health and Substance Use (Canadian Woman's Association: Toronto, Canada)]

 

Risk of developing depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use issues or becoming suicidal [is] 3 to 5 times higher for women who have experienced violence in their relationships compared to those who [have] not. [Dutton, M., Kaltman, S., Goodman, L., Weinfurt, K., Vankos, N. (2005). Patterns of Intimate Partner Violence: Correlates and Outcomes. Violence Victims, (20) 5, 483-497 cited in BC Society of Transition Houses (2011) Report on Violence Against Women, Mental Health and Substance Use (Canadian Woman's Association: Toronto, Canada)]

 

Amongst survivors of domestic violence, those who experienced sexual violence are more than 5 times more likely to threaten or attempt suicide. [McFarlane, J., Malecha, A., Gist, J., Watson, K., Batten, E., Hall, I. & Smith, S., 2005. "Intimate Partner Sexual Assault Against Women and Associated Victim Substance Use, Suicidality, And Risk Factors For Femicide." Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Vol. 26, No. 9, 953 - 967]