Women’s Aid has published two reports highlighting the long-term impact on the mental health of women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. The first report provides a review of the literature relating to mental health and domestic abuse, whilst the second focuses specifically on the mental health impact of domestic abuse for Black and minoritised women. Findings include: evidence that domestic abuse has negative consequences on mental health is often poorly understood by health practitioners; and the underlying contributory factors of violence and abuse towards Black and minoritised women are often left unexplored by mainstream professionals and agencies. Recommendations include: explicitly recognise the need to tackle domestic abuse as a public health priority; and invest in specialist domestic abuse support services, such as those led by and for Black and minoritised, d/Deaf and disabled, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Read the press release: Domestic abuse survivors struggle to access mental health support – especially for Black and minoritised women
Download the reports:
Mental health and domestic abuse: a review of the literature (PDF)
Reframing the links: Black and minoritised women, domestic violence and abuse, and mental health – a review of the literature (PDF)
Source: Women’s Aid
Date: 06 December 2021
