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The Psychological Effects of Domestic Violence

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The Psychological Effects of Domestic Violence
Shavonna Howard
Composition II ENC 1102-182
Everest University (Online)
May 5, 2012

The Psychological Effects of Domestic Violence Domestic violence is something that has troubled our society for centuries. “Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in ‘any’ relationship that is used gain or maintain power and or control over an intimate partner”(What is Domestic Violence). In an abusive relationship, the abuser may use a number of tactics other than physical violence in order to maintain power over his or her partner. Statistics show that “one in four women (25%) has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime”(Domestic Violence Resource Center). Although the physical damage has occurred many health officials say that experiencing the abuse or an attack can lead to serious mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Sometimes after a traumatic experience, some people feel it is normal to feel sad, frightened, and even disconnected. Usually, with time, all of that fades away, and one is able to start to enjoy life again. But sometimes the trauma is so overwhelming that one finds that they can’t move on. One may feel stuck and hopeless a sense of danger and painful memories start to flood that don’t fade away. If someone has been through a traumatic experience and is having trouble getting back to their regular life, feeling safe again, and even reconnecting to others then they may be suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When going through that it feels as if one will never get over what has happened to them or never feel normal again. (PTSD) affects those who personally experience a catastrophe and it develops differently from person to person. We all go through ups and downs. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. A lot of people use the word “Depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than sadness. Some people may describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don’t feel sad at all – they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless. Whatever the symptom, depression differs. It may be labeled as a normal sadness, but it may even engulf your day-to-day life, interfering with one’s ability to work, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with a little, if any, relief. When feeling these things it is important to know that these symptoms can be a part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms one may have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted – the more likely it is that there is a problem. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. In so many ways it helps some people cope with certain situations. When it becomes excessive, or doesn’t fit the situation, or lasts too long, it can get in the way of everyday activities and may even interfere with how one may get along with others. There are several types of anxiety disorder. Some having repeated terms of episodes of intense fear, while others have exaggerated worry and tension on an everyday level. Sometimes anxiety comes with physical symptoms like excessive heart pounding, trouble breathing, trembling, or sweating. Some symptoms may impact ones emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. It’s not just the symptoms of anxiety disorder, but how one may react to them that can disrupt one’s life. These psychological signs and symptoms of domestic violence are just some of the many affects that domestic violence has that may impact a person dealing with this horrid ordeal. Violence does not only hurt the person who has experienced it. It hurts the whole community. “President Clinton recognized the seriousness of the problem when he signed the Violence against Woman Act of 1994. This Act also established a National Domestic Violence Hotline”(U.S Department of Agriculture Safety, Health and Employee Welfare Divison Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook). “Just recently the U.S Senate voted to renew this law designed to combat domestic abuse”(Barrett, 2012). This reauthorization is required every five years. If you or someone you may know has been a victim of domestic violence, one may feel terribly afraid, confused, shocked, angry, or emotionally numb. Every woman is different, and all of these feelings are natural. Experiencing abuse or an attack can lead to serious psychological problems, including post-traumatic disorder, depression and anxiety. If you or someone you know are suffering from these psychological signs and symptoms, it is wise to seek professional help.

References
Barrett, T. (2012, April 27). Senate Oks Renewal of Domestic Abuse Law After GOP Relents. Retrieved May 3, 2012, from CNN Politics: topics.cnn.com/topics/domesticviolence
Domestic Violence Resource Center. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2012, from Statistics: dvrc-or.org/domestic/violence/resources/c61
U.S Department of Agriculture Safety, Health and Employee Welfare Divison Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2012, from dm,usda.gov/shmd/aware
What is Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2012, from National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org

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