Domestic Violence and Trauma Essay Example

violence that may last or not last while for others the effects appear in waves and the effect is not felt until shock associated with the event disappears.

Domestic violence may have serious effects on the thinking and interaction with their surroundings. Stress as a result of domestic violence may not only cause immediate physical damage but also the mental shifts that happen when the mind is attempting to process trauma and protect the body. According to Gerdes, (2012), domestic violence affects a person’s thoughts, behaviors and feelings and can also impact the mental stability of a person. Those who survive domestic violence are known to experience anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder.

To avoid or reduce the effects associated with domestic violence some of the victims decide to leave the relationship. Those who choose to stay may face rejection from the society especially family members and close friends who get tired of listening to complain and nothing is done by the victim to change his or her situation. Banyard, Edwards & Kendall-Tackett, (2009) argue that it is hard for a victim to make his abuser happy and hence can also not make them to be mad. It is hard to control the action or words of an abuser and it is thus important to make one’s decision regarding the situation.

Conclusion

Domestic violence greatly contributes to trauma of the victims who may decide to abandon the relationship. To minimize the risks involved such as depression and physical injury leaving the relationship is always a better option. Victims need to always have a safety plan since actions of abusers are unpredictable and one can never know the next

move of the abuser. Moving to the outside world will also help in the healing process rather than staying in isolation.

References

1. Banyard, V. L., Edwards, V. J., & Kendall-Tackett, K. A. (2009). Trauma and physical health: Understanding the effects of extreme stress and of psychological harm. London: Routledge.
2. Figley, C. R. (2012). Encyclopedia of trauma: An interdisciplinary guide. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE.
3. Gerdes, L. I. (2012). Domestic violence. Detroit: Greenhaven Press
4. Morewitz, S. J. (2004). Domestic violence and maternal child health: New patterns of trauma, treatment, and criminal justice responses. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers