Domestic violence affects millions of people each year, leaving emotional, psychological, and physical scars. The effects of domestic violence can extend far beyond the relationship itself, impacting mental health, physical well-being, self-esteem, relationships, and everyday functioning.

Whether someone experiences physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial control, or coercive behavior, the trauma caused by domestic violence can persist long after the abuse ends. Understanding the effects of domestic violence can be an important step toward healing and seeking support.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence or spousal abuse, is a pattern of behaviors used by one person to maintain power and control over another.

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 women and more than 1 in 6 men experience contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetimes.

While physical abuse may be what comes to mind first, domestic violence can take many forms:

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, choking, or physical restraint
  • Emotional abuse: Manipulation, threats, intimidation, coercion, or verbal attacks
  • Financial abuse: Where a partner controls access to money or resources
  • Sexual abuse: Involves non-consensual or coercive sexual acts
  • Psychological abuse: May involve gaslighting, intimidation, and isolation from friends and family

Domestic violence may also look like constant criticism, humiliation, monitoring movements or social media, psychological aggression, withholding money, or threats to harm.

Abuse can occur in marriages, dating relationships, family relationships, or cohabitating partnerships — regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.

Emotional effects of domestic violence

One common effect of domestic violence is emotional trauma. Survivors may experience overwhelming emotional distress both during and after the abusive relationship.

Examples of emotional effects include:

  • Fear and anxiety
  • Shame or guilt
  • Low self-esteem
  • Emotional numbness
  • Hopelessness
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Chronic stress
  • Feelings of worthlessness

Some survivors may blame themselves for the abuse, especially after experiencing manipulation, gaslighting, or constant criticism from an abusive partner. Over time, this may lead to feelings of self-blame, shame, or guilt.

Over time, emotional abuse can significantly damage a person’s confidence and sense of identity.

Psychological effects of domestic violence

Domestic violence can have serious long-term mental health consequences. Survivors may experience symptoms similar to those seen after other traumatic experiences.

1. PTSD and trauma responses

Some survivors develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may experience complex trauma symptoms after repeated or prolonged abuse.

Examples of symptoms of trauma include:

  • Hypervigilance
  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Panic attacks
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Dissociation
  • Startling easily
  • Sleep disturbances

According to the American Psychiatric Association, domestic violence is strongly associated with an increased risk of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

2. Depression and anxiety

Domestic violence has been shown to be associated with anxiety and depression.

Survivors may struggle with persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, excessive worry, or feelings of isolation.

3. Trauma bonding

Trauma bonding can occur when cycles of abuse and affection create a powerful emotional attachment between the survivor and the abusive partner.

This trauma bond can make leaving the relationship feel emotionally overwhelming or confusing.

Physical effects of domestic violence

The physical effects of domestic violence can range from temporary injuries to chronic health conditions.

1. Immediate physical effects

These may include:

  • Bruises
  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Chronic pain
  • Sleep problems
  • Gastrointestinal issues

In some cases, domestic violence can lead to permanent disability or life-threatening injuries.

2. Long-term physical health effects

A survey of more than 1,000 American women found that exposure to abuse may contribute to:

  • Lower back pain
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Digestive disease

Another study found that women exposed to domestic violence were 31% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than women who hadn’t experienced abuse. This same study also found that women who experienced domestic abuse were 51% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Effects of domestic violence on the brain

Trauma can impact the nervous system and brain functioning. When someone experiences ongoing abuse, the brain may remain in a constant fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response.

This prolonged stress response may affect:

  • Memory
  • Emotional regulation
  • Decision-making
  • Concentration
  • Stress tolerance

Some survivors of domestic violence may feel constantly on edge or emotionally exhausted because their nervous system may have adapted to prolonged danger.

Effects of domestic violence on children

Children who witness domestic violence can also experience significant emotional and psychological harm, even if they are not directly abused.

For example, children may experience:

  • Anxiety or depression
  • Behavioral challenges
  • Difficulty in school
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Developmental delays
  • Fear and insecurity

Exposure to domestic violence during childhood can increase the risk of future mental health struggles and challenges in relationships later in life.

Social and relationship effects of domestic violence

Domestic violence can also affect a survivor’s relationships and support systems.

Survivors of domestic abuse may experience:

  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Challenges with forming healthy relationships
  • Fear of intimacy
  • Difficulty maintaining employment or continuing education
  • Risk of repeating the cycle of abuse in future relationships

Abusive partners may intentionally isolate survivors as a way to maintain control.

Why survivors may struggle to leave

Leaving an abusive relationship can be far more complicated than others may realize.

Survivors may stay because of:

  • Fear for their safety
  • Financial dependence
  • Trauma bonding
  • Concerns for children
  • Shame or embarrassment
  • Lack of support
  • Threats from the abusive partner

It’s important to avoid blaming survivors and instead approach the situation with compassion and understanding.

Healing from domestic violence

Recovery from domestic violence and healing often takes time and support.

Therapy can help survivors:

  • Process trauma safely
  • Rebuild self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Learn healthy coping skills
  • Address PTSD symptoms
  • Develop healthy boundaries and communication skills
  • Reconnect with their sense of identity

Trauma-informed therapy approaches may include:

Healing is not linear, and every survivor’s journey looks different.

When to seek help

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, support is available.

Examples of signs it may be time to seek help include:

  • Feeling afraid of your partner
  • Being controlled or isolated
  • Experiencing threats or intimidation
  • Physical harm
  • Emotional manipulation or gaslighting

Seeking support from a licensed therapist, trusted loved one, domestic violence advocate, or crisis resource can help create a path toward safety and healing.

If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or are in emotional crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Resources for domestic abuse and violence

No one should face domestic violence alone. There are many resources and mental health professionals trained to offer support, guidance, and safety planning. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse trauma, help is available:

Healing is possible, and reaching out is a powerful first step.

Frequently asked questions

The following are frequently asked questions related to domestic violence and abuse.

1. Can emotional abuse cause trauma?

Yes. Emotional abuse can have severe psychological effects and may lead to PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and long-term emotional distress.

2. What is family violence?

Family violence occurs when there is abuse between family members, such as parent-to-child abuse, elder abuse, or sibling bullying.

3. What are the causes of domestic violence?

There is no excuse or justification for abuse or domestic violence. However, research has identified certain risk factors associated with abusive behavior.

Risk factors may include:

  • Exposure to violence during childhood
  • Poor conflict resolution skills
  • Anger management issues
  • Desire for power or control
  • Social isolation
  • Substance abuse or substance misuse
  • Difficulty managing anger or impulsivity

4. Can therapy help survivors of domestic violence?

Yes. Trauma-informed therapy can help survivors process their experiences, manage trauma symptoms, rebuild confidence, and improve emotional well-being.

5. What should I do if I think I’m in an abusive relationship?

Consider reaching out to a trusted support system, therapist, or domestic violence hotline for support and safety planning.

Takeaway

Experiencing domestic abuse, intimate partner violence, or spousal abuse can leave mental scars, but it doesn’t define who you are. The effects of domestic violence are real, but healing and recovery are possible with support.

Whether you’re living with the aftermath of domestic abuse trauma or trying to support someone else, recovery is possible. Therapy and support can be part of the journey forward.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Help is available. You deserve to feel safe, supported, and empowered.