Domestic violence can include abuse that is not only physical in nature, but also emotional, psychological, verbal, sexual, and/or financial.
The depth and longevity of wounds that result from domestic violence can reach even further than the incident itself.
Staying in an abusive situation can easily become a vicious cycle that is very difficult to break out of. An abusive individual may constantly demean, criticize, humiliate, and “punish” others, inflicting fear to exert control.
Common reactions to domestic violence include, but are not limited to the following:
• Fear, anxiety, hypervigilance
• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Low self-esteem
• Thoughts of / attempts of suicide
• Drug and/or alcohol use
• Insomnia, hypersomnia
• Social withdrawal, isolation from family and friends
• Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Physical wounds, bruises, symptoms such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, genital issues, difficulties breathing.
Children who are witnesses or victims of abuse may show increased violent behavior, self-harm, substance abuse, and a higher likelihood to become similar in the future. It is beneficial to give children a safe space in which they can express themselves without fear and regain trust.
The abuser may place barriers of guilt, shame, or fear to prevent you from obtaining care for your health. If you are currently in an abusive situation, counseling can help you take back the power and strength you need to break out of an oppressive cycle. Note that if you are currently experiencing domestic violence of any kind, it is important to seek help without the knowledge of the abusive individual to avoid possible anger or retaliation.
If you’ve experienced domestic violence in the past, counseling can provide healing for the deep or repressed trauma you may still be struggling with. A good therapist can help you manage your emotions, identify and treat psychological discord, and decipher painful emotional triggers that can result from the abuse.
Seeking counseling for the trauma caused by domestic violence can be intimidating, and it may feel like hope seems out of reach. Regardless of the complexity and intensity of your situation, there is always help available, including different types of counseling for your particular needs. During counseling, you can work on developing effective coping strategies and communicate your feelings in a non-threatening and non-judgmental environment, helping you attain peace and regain hope.
