How to Cope with the Battered

Domestic violence can cause depression, anxiety, panic attacks, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide attempts. Children that are exposed to domestic violence can develop aggressive behavior, mental disorders, developmental problems, school problems, and low self-esteem.

Many survivors of abuse do not need mental health treatment; they’re issues may resolve after they leave the abusive relationship and they are safe, along with their children.

If you have a family member or friend who is being emotionally or physically abused, help them get out of the situation the best way you can.

• Show your concern – help them recognized what is going on and explain that their relationship is not normal and that they deserve a healthy, non-violent relationship.
• Be supportive – help them realize the abuse is not their fault and that they are not alone; be a good listener, they need someone to believe and listen to them. Help them develop a safety plan and encourage them to seek professional counseling or support groups. Encourage them to participate in outside activities. If the finally leave the situation, they’ll need your strength and moral support more than ever because they’ll feel sad and lonely and need time to mourn the relationship.
• Don’t judge – respect their decisions to stay in the abusive relationship no matter how stupid it seems to you; they have their reasons; don’t criticize.