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Abuse is an all too common occurrence in relationships worldwide.
Abuse is not only limited to romantic relationships.
It can also be present in familial relationships, friendships, and interactions with acquaintances and strangers.
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In this guide, we’ll be examining the different ways abuse takes a toll on mental well-being.
Plus, we’ll be highlighting ways to seek help when living in an abusive situation.
Physical Abuse
This is perhaps the most overt form of abuse.
It is intentionally causing bodily injury to a partner to establish dominance over them.
For women especially, physical violence and the threat of it come with a different set of challenges.
Women who were victimized by their partners also report higher rates of depression and anxiety due to this treatment.
Physical violence may disrupt sleep patterns and has been linked with insomnia.
In addition, there is a high risk ofengaging in substance abusefollowing repeated physical violence from a partner.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
It is controlling and acts as a way of punishing a person through humiliating tactics and threats.
In some cases, they may employ extreme criticism when these demands are not met to their standards.
Emotional abuse maytake different formsthat can cause a victim to feel wounded, worthless, and anxious.
Victims of emotional abuse are likely to experience depression and anxiety.
It isnt uncommon for an abused partner to develop phobias, or alcohol and substance use disorders.
An emotionally abused person may also self-harm or engage in reckless sexual practices following emotional harm.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Sexual abuse occurs where a person is forced to perform sexual acts against their wishes.
This mistreatment may also crop up where one partner is prevented from opportunities that might grant financial independence.
This ultimately affects the victim’s ability to survive.
The reality is that they lack the resources to leave their partners and feel trapped.
This feeling can lead to depression.
Financial abuse can also significantly affect the household by impacting the ability to carry out parental roles adequately.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.Statistics.
World Health Organization.Understanding and Addressing Violence against Women.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
2014;2(3):1821.
Published 2014 Oct 22. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1821
World Health Organization.World Report on violence and health, Chapter 6: Sexual Violence.
