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Family violence has significant mental health impacts, and a growing body of research is recognising the far-reaching effects on women and children.
Family violence is common in Australia. For everyone involved, the physical, social and mental health effects can be devastating and long-lasting. Family violence can happen to anyone and in any kind of relationship. It is most often perpetrated by a partner, but can also be perpetrated by another family member.
Statistics from the Personal Safety Survey report for the 2021-22 financial year show that one in four women and one in eight men experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member. Additionally, one in four women and one in seven men have experienced cohabiting partner emotional abuse. One woman is killed every nine days and one man is killed every 29 days by a partner.
Anne-Laure Couineau, Director of Policy and Service Development at Phoenix Australia, says while family violence intervention most often focusses on keeping women and children safe, there is growing awareness of the importance of protecting mental health too. “The mental health impacts of family violence are significant,” she says.
“Women are at increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Women who have experienced family violence often feel shame, on edge most of the time, and undermined by the abuse in all areas of their lives, including work, parenting, and maintaining friendships and family relationships. This can have a significant impact on their confidence and capacity to cope with everyday tasks and decisions.”
“For example, if a woman is being constantly told by an abusive partner that she is not capable, that her decisions are always wrong, and that she is a bad person – her confidence is going to be severely affected. Whether other people believe and support women also affects how they feel about themselves.”
Living with family violence can have a significant impact on parenting.
“When you don’t feel safe or are constantly fearful of what your partner or family member will do, creating a safe environment for your children can be challenging. Women who have escaped violence but are still contending with the mental health fallout of violence can find it particularly hard to parent their children. For example, if you become distressed or feel overwhelmed, it can be difficult to help children feel secure or teach them to self-soothe. In order to cope, some women may withdraw to protect themselves, and so find it hard to be present with their children,” says Anne-Laure.
Children who witness or are aware of family violence can also experience PTSD, depression and anxiety. They may start acting younger and become clingy, have tantrums or wet their bed. They may also be irritable, and have disrupted sleep and nightmares. Problems at school, acting out and poor concentration can also be signs of children not doing well.
“For parents, it’s important to find a way of talking about what is happening that is safe for children. If children don’t know what is happening, they can become scared and blame themselves. For example, if they see Mum crying, they may decide it’s their fault. Or if Mum is depressed and stays in bed, a child may think, ‘what have I done?’
“Parents should give children enough information so that they understand what is happening such as, ‘Mum is feeling sad because of what is happening between her and Dad but it is not your fault and I am getting help, I am finding ways to make it better’. Present a positive message that it is not the child’s fault and that you are doing something about it.”
Maintaining a routine as much as possible can help children to feel safe. Routines that maintain family and social connection are particularly helpful, such as eating dinner together or maintaining a bedtime story. Day-to-day routines help anchor a child in stressful times.
Most importantly, mothers need to give themselves time to recover and heal. “This may mean making sure that someone looks after the children now and then so that you have time for yourself. Spend time with people who care and get practical help to rebuild your life. Talk to your GP to get a referral if you think the violence has impacted on your mental health,” says Anne-Laure.
Phoenix Australia believes there is a need for increased attention to the mental health needs of women and children exposed to family violence. This includes recognition by clinicians who should ask questions about family violence and recognition by policymakers of the treatment needs of survivors through funding and commissioning of appropriate mental health services.
Anne-Laure says a range of professional services are available to help families dealing with the mental health impacts of family violence. “Getting help is important. People who are affected can initially talk to a doctor who can then guide them to get help for themselves and their children. Family violence services (see below) can help with strategies to keep you safe and start rebuilding your life,” she says.
“Parents who get help for themselves are helping their children, too. Good social support and professional support are vital.”
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Phoenix Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pays respect to all Elders, past and present. We acknowledge continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to land, water and communities—places of age-old ceremonies, of celebration and renewal—and their unique contribution in the life of these lands.
We are committed to fostering an environment in which the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their fellow Australians is characterised by a deep mutual respect, leading to positive change in our nation’s culture and capacity.
Phoenix Australia are experts in trauma-related mental health and wellbeing. For 25 years, we have been Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health and internationally recognised leaders in our field. We are committed to driving forward the mental health agenda both at home and abroad.
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