The effects of Domestic Abuse – and how to get help
Image courtesy of IDAS
As a niche family law firm, the devastating effects of domestic abuse on victims are something Jones Myers sadly witnesses at first hand.
Our commitment to raising awareness of this major issue includes featuring topical articles and advice on our blog. We have also partnered with leading charity IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) to host a pioneering art installation which symbolised the 100 plus women killed every year in the UK by their current or ex-partner.
IDAS Chief Executive, Sarah Hill, explains how the effects of domestic abuse vary from person to person – and depend on each individual’s experience. She says the effects can become worse over time and can take a long time to recover from.
Emotional: The most common feature of living in an abusive relationship is suffering emotional or psychological abuse. The effects of this are extremely harmful.
Emotional abuse includes name calling, being constantly put down, having someone control what you do or what you wear, being isolated from friends and family, making you feel you are responsible for the abuse, criticising parenting, threatening family or friends, or making unreasonable demands.
Experiencing some, or all of, these things will have an effect on self-esteem and confidence levels, cause depression and feelings of worthlessness and can lead to eating disorders or psychosomatic illnesses.
Physical: Some people who are living in abusive relationships will never or rarely be victims of physical violence and some will experience it regularly.
Many people who experience physical violence live with painful injuries that go undiagnosed and sometimes they are prevented from seeking medical help. Research also shows that physical violence can escalate in a relationship. In extreme cases physical violence can lead to murder – two women a week are killed by a current or ex-partner.
It is important to remember that physical violence is only one indicator of domestic abuse and may not be the main feature of the abusive relationship.
Sexual: For many people living in a violent relationship, sexual abuse occurs on an occasional or regular basis. This can include rape, putting pressure on you to take part in things you don’t feel comfortable with and/or forcing you to have sex with other people. This can increase the chances of you contracting a sexually transmitted illness, cause physical injury and has serious emotional effects.
Other effects of living with domestic abuse can include suffering financial hardship, losing employment and potential homelessness. You can watch a video about the effects of domestic abuse here.
IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. It is the first organisation in the UK to develop a free online Live Chat support for survivors. For more information, visit www.idas.org.uk
For queries on any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce Jones Myers blog is ranked 9th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.