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Domestic violence has wide ranging and sometimes long-term effects on victims. The effects can be both physical and psychological, but victims/survivors most often report that the social and emotional consequences are what most deeply affect them.

Physical Effects

The physical health effects of domestic violence are varied and can include injuries, various medical complications, disability, and, in the most extreme cases, sexual violence or death. In one study, women reporting histories of domestic violence reported experiencing neurological, gynecological, and stress-related medical problems at a rate 50 to 70 percent higher than women who have never been abused. Common consequences reported by victims include frequent headaches, back pain, sexually transmitted infections, urinary infections, appetite loss, and abdominal pain.

Psychological Effects

There are also many psychological effects of domestic violence, with the most common effect being depression. Along with depression, domestic violence victims may develop symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, intrusive imagery, nightmares, anxiety, emotional numbing, insomnia, hyper-vigilance, and avoidance of traumatic triggers. A victim might be constantly looking over her shoulder, might have flashbacks, might feel dread or anxiety, experience depression or blame herself for the abuse.