The mental health impacts of experiencing domestic violence are significant. Women report that the emotional/psychological impacts stay long after physical injuries have healed. It represents a public health issue and is a major health inequality for women due to the very limited provision of specialist services.

A third of women who experience domestic violence also have mental health problems, this can range from anxiety, stress, mood swings, depression, panic attacks, isolation, anger, low confidence, suicidal, drug or alcohol misuse, difficulties in coping with everyday living, self neglect, self abuse, post traumatic stress, self harming and eating disorders.

• Mental health costs to the NHS are £176 million (DH 2004)
• 1 in 10 victims take time off work due to abuse leading to a decrease in financial independence and leads to greater risks
• 500 women commit suicide every year due to domestic violence
• Factors that protect mental health include supportive social networks, good housing, family support, relationships with children, employment/education/training and self care can all be interrupted by domestic violence
• Violence and abuse is a core mental health issues affecting 70% or more of women service users
• 60% of women leave because of fears for their mental health
• Domestic violence and other abuse is the most common cause of depression and other mental health difficulties in women
• 50-60% of women mental health service users have experienced domestic abuse, up to 20% will be currently being abused