By: Hannah Jagiri

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2018).

Domestic Abuse in marriage encompasses various forms of maltreatment, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, sexual coercion, and financial control (United Nations, 2024).

These behaviors create an environment of fear, dominance, and helplessness. Repeated exposure to such traumatic experiences often leads to the development of PTSD (NHS, 2024).

Symptoms and Effects of PTSD

PTSD manifests through a range of symptoms categorized into four main clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2022).

Examples of these symptoms include (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2022):

• Intrusive Thoughts: Survivors may experience intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares about abuse. These unwelcome recollections can be distressing and disruptive, hindering their ability to function daily.
  
  
• Avoidance:  To cope with trauma, individuals may avoid places, people, or situations that remind them of abuse. This can lead to isolation and difficulty in forming new relationships, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and depression.
  
  
• Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood: PTSD can induce negative changes in beliefs and feelings. Survivors might feel persistent fear, guilt, or shame. They may also struggle with distorted self-perceptions, such as believing they are unworthy of love or inherently flawed.
  
  
• Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity:  Hypervigilance, exaggerated startled responses, and irritability are common. These heightened arousal states can result in sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and chronic stress, further impacting their overall health.

The Impact on Marriage and Family

The cyclical nature of Domestic Abuse perpetuates PTSD. The cycle typically includes phases of tension-building, explosive incidents of abuse, reconciliation, and calm. During reconciliation, the abuser may express remorse and promise change, leading the survivor to hope for a better future (MPDC, 2024). This intermittent reinforcement creates a trauma bond, making it difficult for the survivor to leave the abusive relationship (D’Amore Mental Health, 2024).

PTSD in Domestic Abuse Survivors significantly affects marital dynamics and family life. The constant state of alertness and emotional instability can strain the relationship further. Survivors may struggle with trust issues, communication difficulties, and intimacy problems (Compassion Behavioral Health, 2024).

Children in the household are also adversely affected, often developing their own emotional and behavioral issues as a result of witnessing the abuse and living in a tense environment (The Center, 2023).

Seeking Help and Healing

Addressing PTSD in Domestic Abuse Survivors requires a comprehensive approach. Norm Therapists® and mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, are crucial in providing support and treatment. Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have proven effective in treating PTSD. These therapies help survivors process traumatic memories, develop coping mechanisms, and rebuild their self-esteem (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2021).

Support groups and advocacy organizations also offer invaluable assistance. Connecting with others who have experienced similar situations can reduce isolation and provide a sense of community (Sabo, 2023). 

Legal assistance and safe housing options are essential in helping Victims and Survivors leave abusive environments and rebuild their lives (NNEDV, 2022).

Conclusion

PTSD resulting from Domestic Abuse in marriage is a profound and complex issue that requires awareness, understanding, and compassionate intervention. By recognizing the symptoms and effects of PTSD, providing appropriate support, and fostering environments of safety and healing, society can better assist survivors in their journey toward recovery. Addressing the root causes of Domestic Abuse and promoting healthy, respectful relationships is crucial in preventing future trauma and fostering a safer, more supportive community for all.

At ARO, we are here to support your personal healing journey towards your complete well-being. We bring solutions and real-time education for 21 different types of abuses. The most prevalent abuses are Sexual Abuse, Spousal Abuse, Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse, Narcissistic Abuse, Financial Abuse, Self Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Isolation Abuse, Child Abuse, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Workplace Abuse, Religious Abuse, Medical Abuse, Food Abuse, Authority Abuse, Educational Abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation, Sex Trafficking, and Political Abuse. Support our efforts by visiting AbuseRefuge.org and NormTherapy.com to sign up for Norm Therapist® Training to become one of our dynamic staff members who serve Victims and Survivors of abuse worldwide, schedule Norm Therapy® sessions, become a Live Stream volunteer, join our mailing list to learn how you can make an impact on the Abuse Care Community, and provide life-saving financial assistance with a generous donation.

 

References

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2018, August 7). PTSD Basics. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp

United Nations. (2024). What is domestic abuse?. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/what-is-domestic-abuse#:~:text=Domestic%20abuse%20is%20typically%20manifested,economic%20or%20sexual%20in%20nature.

NHS. (2024). Causes – Post-traumatic stress disorder. NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/causes/#:~:text=Post%2Dtraumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PTSD)%20can%20develophttps://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/causes/#:~:text=Post%2Dtraumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PTSD)%20can%20develop%20after%20a,torture%20after%20a,torture

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, December 13). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967#:~:text=PTSD%20symptoms%20are%20generally%20grouped,vary%20from%20person%20to%20person. 

D’Amore Mental Health. (2024, June 14). Trauma bonding: Signs, stages & recovery: D’amore. D\’Amore Mental Health. https://damorementalhealth.com/trauma-bonding-signs-stages-and-recovery/#:~:text=dynamics%20at%20play.-,Psychological%20Underpinnings,out%20amidst%20periods%20of%20abuse. 

Compassion Behavioral Health. (2024, June 7). Domestic violence PTSD: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Compassion Behavioral Health. https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/domestic-violence-ptsd/#:~:text=The%20effects%20of%20Domestic%20Violence,relationships%2C%20and%20coping%20with%20intimacy. 

The Center. (2023, August 17). The devastating impact of domestic violence on families. The Center. https://thecenternow.org/uncategorized/the-devastating-impact-of-domestic-violence-on-families/ 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, August 18). Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Evidence-Based Treatment. https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/treatment/ebt.asp 

Sabo, A. (2023, November 13). Unraveling the stigma of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • insight counseling. Insight Counseling. https://insightclinicalcounseling.com/unraveling-the-stigma-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/#:~:text=Connecting%20with%20others%20who%20have,step%20further%20in%20their%20recovery. 

NNEDV. (2022, December 7). The impact of safe housing on survivors of domestic violence. NNEDV. https://nnedv.org/spotlight_on/impact-safe-housing-survivors/