From Surviving to Thriving; the link between domestic abuse and physical, emotional and mental health wellbeing  

The United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women & Girls, and White Ribbon Day are both on 25th November and marks the start of 16 days of activism. We mark this annually by hosting a variety of awareness raising events across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton until the campaign end on Human Rights Day (December 10th). 

This year we are campaigning for professionals and the community to understand and encourage conversations about the devastating long-term impact physically, mentally and emotionally that domestic abuse has on its victims and survivors, by using the hashtag #survivingtothriving. 

Domestic abuse is not always physical. The person experiencing abusive behaviours might not even realise that their relationship is an abusive one. Abuse can be a one-off act or a pattern of acts of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour that seeks to isolate, exploit and deprive victims of their independence and regulate their everyday behaviour. The impact of these behaviours can have a devastating impact on a woman’s life. Health, emotional wellbeing, financial stability, personal and family relationships, children’s wellbeing, are all affected, and the impact can last for years. 

Children and young people’s reactions to the trauma of witnessing domestic abuse can also have physical, social, emotional, and behavioural impacts. Socially and emotionally, they can develop entrenched feelings of fear and anxiety, they can develop a sense of responsibility for protecting others, struggle with self-worth and find it difficult to make or keep friends. Behaviourally, they will often either internalise or externalise the feelings that they are having. Externalised behaviour can present as aggressive, bursts of anger, internalised feelings can present as being withdrawn or even detached and uninterested. 

In the year 2023/2024, 66.34% (1372 clients) of Stop Domestic Abuse’s adult clients reported a need for emotional health and wellbeing support and 53% needing mental health support and 17% needing physical health support.   

The data for children’s needs at assessment are also stark with almost 40% (536 children) needing support around safety and 30% of children needing support around mental health and relationships.  

Claire Lambon, CEO at Stop Domestic Abuse said

“For those who are able to escape their situation, whilst the physical abuse may stop, the trauma that victims and survivors still face creates an ongoing narrative and a need for support to be able to get back to living a ‘normal’ life. We need to understand that it is not a one solution fixes all approach that is needed, but when someone does engage with professionals, that those professionals understand how to support holistically with current risk and support needs, but also with ongoing trauma recovery.  

Stop Domestic Abuse provides services that empower the survivor to make the best choices for themselves and their children.  Victims and survivors are supported to process the trauma that they have experienced so they can rebuild their confidence and strength to begin a new journey free of abuse.  We want clients to thrive rather than just survive.” 

As well as community and service based events, we are offering free online training to the community to become a Domestic Abuse Community Ambassador. Sessions will cover how to spot signs of domestic abuse and how to support someone by being that listening ear that they can talk to without judgement and giving you the knowledge to guide them to the right resources. 

Professionals can also sign up to a variety of free online specialist training sessions on domestic abuse and pregnancy and domestic abuse and suicide.  

To sign up for any of our events, join us in our campaigning, or to donate towards our cause, you can visit our website www.stopdomesticabuse.uk. You can also join the conversation online via our social media @southerndas. 

Stop Domestic Abuse provides refuge and community outreach services across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. If you need support or advice, Stop Domestic Abuse offers a free confidential support service. Contact their free, confidential helpline on 0330 0533 630 or by email at advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk.