Scientists have studied the frequency of mental disorders in survivors of partner violence

The consequences of violence from a loved one can persist even after the end of a relationship. People who have experienced abuse from a current or former partner are more likely to develop depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health problems. Scientists have assessed the prevalence of such conditions and found out how it is related to childhood violence. About how the experience of abuse affects mental health and why it can be difficult for victims to get help, see the Izvestia article.

Mental disorders have been identified in more than half of survivors of violence

Scientists analyzed information about more than 7 thousand people who had experience of close relationships. Criteria for at least one of the four mental disorders were identified in 55.3% of Australians who had experienced partner violence. Among those who had not experienced such an experience, the figure was 24.5%. The work was published in the Journal of Family Violence (JFV).

Participants reported whether they had experienced physical, sexualized, or psychological abuse. The researchers assessed the prevalence of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol-related disorder. All four conditions were more common among survivors of violence than among other participants.

At the same time, the prevalence of mental disorders was comparable among people who had experienced psychological, physical, or sexualized violence. Many participants came across several types of it at once.

The experience of violence does not always allow us to determine the cause of the disorder.

The authors emphasize that the results do not prove that partner violence directly caused a mental disorder. Participants reported experiencing violence throughout their lives, while mental states could be either current or pre-existing. Therefore, the researchers were unable to determine which appeared first.

However, other studies show that mental health problems often develop after partner violence. According to the authors, this indicates that at least some of the consequences for the psyche may be related to the abuse experienced.

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Childhood experiences can increase vulnerability

Among people who had experienced partner violence, mental disorders were more often found in those who had experienced several types of abuse in childhood. These included emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, neglect of a child's needs, and surveillance of domestic violence.

Criteria for at least one mental disorder were identified in 62.5% of participants with experience of several types of abuse in childhood. Among those who had not experienced such an experience, the figure was 39.1%. The authors suggest that violence experienced at an early age may increase vulnerability to mental disorders if a person experiences violence from a partner as an adult.

The researchers note the importance of preventing child abuse and providing early psychological support to those who encounter it. In their opinion, such assistance can reduce the risk of mental disorders in the future.

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Why is it difficult for victims to get help

Even with the high prevalence of mental disorders, survivors of violence do not always receive the necessary support. According to the data cited by the authors, about two out of five Australians who have experienced physical or sexual abuse from an ex-partner do not seek advice or help. Those seeking support may also be hampered by the lack of places in specialized services and the cost of psychological care.

Another barrier is related to the confidentiality of medical records. During family court proceedings, documents from psychologists, consultants, and general practitioners may be requested by the court and made available to the former partner. This can undermine the trust between the specialist and the patient and deter victims from seeking help or continuing therapy.

The researchers also urge to pay attention to the early signs of psychological violence. These include isolating a partner from family and friends, controlling daily life, and verbally abusing them. Such behavior is not always immediately recognized as violence: possessiveness, jealousy, and attempts to limit communication can be seen as expressions of love or caring. According to the authors, informing about these signs will help to identify violence earlier and intervene before the situation worsens.