PTSD and traumatisation
Domestic violence inflicts psychological trauma, affecting victims, perpetrators, and families. Stressful events can trigger or exacerbate mental health disorders, including acute stress reactions, depression or long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The cycle of abuse erodes self-worth and alters relationships. Understanding the impact is crucial for prevention and support.
PTSD symptoms
PTSD symptoms vary, with some experiencing persistent symptoms while others remain symptom-free. It is also possible for symptoms to manifest years after the traumatic experience. In some cases, PTSD symptoms may evolve into psychiatric conditions, leading to lasting personality changes and potential disability.
- experiencing the traumatic event over and over again (recurring memories and mental images, dreams and nightmares)
- anxiety
- insomnia
- drug or substance addictions
- fatigue
- exhaustion
- depression
- feelings of anger and guilt
- memory and concentration difficulties
- being alert
- increased state of alertness
- despair
- callousness
- passivity
- apathy
- suicidal thoughts
- arrhythmias, chest pain
- hyperventilation
- dizziness
- stomach pain
- headache
- trembling
- eating disorders
The word "trauma" refers to psychological wounds or injuries caused by experiences, e.g. a sudden death of a close one, serious harm, or the threat of such events. Violence inflicts trauma through close relationships with individuals who are expected to provide care and safety. Domestic violence can result in psychological trauma due to the endangerment of physical safety, intense fear, lack of control, and overwhelming situations. Trauma can be cumulative, arising from ongoing experiences of intimate partner violence.
This vulnerability amplifies the impact of intimate partner violence, classified as type 2 trauma due to its repetitive or continuous nature. Victims often describe a cycle of abuse, enduring one instance after another: "I hadn't even survived the previous abuse when another one came."
Many individuals who have endured long-term violent relationships develop depression. Depressed individuals internalise the negative messages repeatedly received from their abusive partners: you are bad, worthless, no one can love you, you are not good enough, etc., reinforcing beliefs of being unworthy, unlovable, or inadequate. Seeking professional conversational support is crucial for breaking this cycle.
During traumatic events, the human nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response, an evolutionary survival mechanism. This physiological reaction has been deeply ingrained in our species, allowing us to react swiftly to external threats, e.g. a bear in the wild.
In moments of danger, the autonomic nervous system prepares the body to confront or escape the threat. This reaction is normal in all mammals and developed as an optimal response to sudden danger.
Panic attacks trigger the same physiological response as threatening situations. However, panic attacks can occur seemingly out of context, without real threats. The exact causes of panic attacks are unknown, but the body reacts intensely.
Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, sensations of restricted air intake, heart palpitations, trembling limbs, sweating, dizziness, tingling, and a strong urge to escape. Panic attacks can evoke feelings of impending doom or confusion, with a sense of detachment from reality. Senses often become heightened as the body prepares for fight or flight responses.
In conclusion, understanding the profound impact of trauma resulting from intimate partner violence is crucial. Recognising the signs of trauma and its potential long-term effects empowers us to take action.
We must prioritise prevention through education, awareness, and early intervention programs. Providing safe spaces and support networks for survivors is essential. Promoting mental health services and counselling can help individuals heal and rebuild their lives.
Additionally, fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and gender equality can challenge the underlying dynamics that perpetuate violence. Together, we can break the cycle of intimate partner violence and create a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and free from trauma.
