Domestic abuse involves inflicting pain and discomfort on another person. This hurt could be physical or mental. ‘Domestic’ implies that it happens between people who have a close relationship.

Contrary to popular stereotypes, domestic violence happens to both men and women. In addition, children can also be victims of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse alters the victim in several ways. Depending on the situation, these effects could differ from one victim to another. Some victims have only experienced it once, while others suffer abuse often.

Many survivors of domestic abuse are afraid to report their abusers. A major reason for this is fear of their abuser. Another reason is some of them do not have proper psychological help or a domestic abuse lawyer to defend them.

Victims need to know that they can demand justice against their abusers. Getting justice may not reverse what has happened, but it can help the victim feel better and safe. Victims should reach out to domestic abuse attorneys for help. This will ensure abusers do not hurt other people in the future.

Domestic abuse is a serious issue and should be treated as such. The effects of this practice can affect the victim for life.

This article explains some ways domestic abuse impacts people.

Effects of Domestic Abuse on One’s Life

Remember that people react to situations in different ways. This means the effects may not be relatable to every victim.

Also, if several victims can relate to an effect, it may not be at the same level.

1. Physical Injuries and Scars

Victims may sustain serious injuries to the body due to abuse. Injuries could be bruises, fractured bones, or STIs in the case of sexual abuse.

These wounds can cause health problems to the victims or even death. If they survive the injury, it may leave scars that could remain on their bodies permanently.

2. Trauma Leading to Relationship Problems

This is common, especially among people who suffer abuse often. They might have issues relating to other people as they may lose the ability to trust. Some may not even trust the domestic abuse attorney allocated to them. This could make it difficult to get justice for them.

Domestic abuse can affect friendships, family bonds, and future relationships. When a victim cannot maintain relationships, this could lead to loneliness or depression.

3. Low Self-esteem

This is common among young victims, especially if they face domestic verbal abuse.

Abusers always talk down on their victims to hurt their emotions. But, unfortunately, this may influence the way they view themselves. Low self-esteem can make the victim may not perform well in school, the workplace, or among peers.

4. Societal Stigma

Domestic abuse can also affect the victim’s social security. Many victims of domestic abuse turn to drugs and alcohol to help forget the pain.

Such people may begin to cause trouble in their immediate community. As a result, they become threats to society.

5. Aggressive Behaviour

Domestic abuse can make the victims become abusers. If a young person grows up under abuse, this may alter his mental orientation.

The victim may become an abuser in the future because he may think of it as normal.

6. Irresponsibility

In the case of sexual and domestic abuse, the victim could become pregnant. In addition, victims who have children through abuse may refuse to take responsibility for them.

Victims may leave new-born babies on the streets, and if they don’t, they may not care for the child. This is a factor contributing to the level of homelessness among minors.

7. Psychiatric Problems

Domestic abuse leads to mental disorders, which can translate to more serious problems.

Some victims could lose their sense of coordination and reasoning. Some may be able to recover from this, while others may remain insane.

8. Rage and Hate

Some victims may hold on to the anger and pain caused by their abuser. If they do not receive mental help, they may become destructive.

The anger can lead victims to vandalise personal and public property. They could also become criminals, such as serial killers, to express their rage.

9. Suicidal Thoughts

Depression and other mental disorders can cause the victims to hurt themselves. Some victims who cannot handle the pain may commit suicide.

This does not only end their potential but affects the people who love and care for them.

Children in the Mix

It is estimated that 1 in every 10 children in the United States is exposed to some form of family violence each year. Of these, approximately three of every 10 witness abuse at some point during childhood or adolescence. Children who grow up in homes where there is domestic violence often face a number of difficulties.

They show all the bad signs we already talked about. They may struggle with anger, anxiety, and depression. They are also more likely to engage in violent behaviour themselves when they become adults. They are also at increased risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, and teenage pregnancy.

The good news is that there are many organisations and programs that can help children who have been exposed to domestic violence. With the right support, these children can overcome the challenges they face and lead healthy, successful lives.

How to Help Victims

A lot must be put in place to ensure that these effects on survivors do not become permanent. Some steps to take include;

Seeking Mental Help

Victims should be supported to get professional help. That will help them get over the ugly memories, let go of the past, and move on.

It will also help to prevent adverse mental problems and become better people.

Seeking Legal Help

Victims should report their abusers. They should hire a domestic lawyer. This is to ensure the abuser stops and is punished.

Show love and support. Family and friends should ensure that they shower the victim with love. This will help them regain their trust and faith in humanity.

Engaging in Activities

It is advisable that survivors should not be abandoned in depression. They can be engaged in gardening, volunteering, etc. This will help to take their minds off the situation.

Teaching Protective Measures

Victims, as well as others, should learn protective skills. This will help prevent a reoccurrence in the future.

Conclusion

Domestic abuse cause several issues for the survivors. It can then affect them their body, emotions, mental health, and others.

It is essential to enlighten people about what domestic violence can do to them. This way, people will refuse to condone any form of abuse and seek help.