Posted on March 2th, 2023

Domestic violence is a devastating experience that affects millions of people around the world. Survivors of domestic violence often suffer from emotional trauma, which can include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Coping with the emotional impact of domestic violence can be a challenging and daunting task. However, there are strategies and resources available to help survivors on their journey to healing and recovery.

At Social Humanity Center, Inc., we specialize in non-profit services for safety against domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and child abuse. We offer legal assistance and referrals for obtaining protection orders, safety planning assistance, assistance with immediate transportation support, and a 24/7 warmline for emergency support. Our goal is to empower survivors to lead independent lives free from abuse. In this blog post, we will discuss the emotional impact of domestic violence and provide coping strategies and resources for survivors.

The Emotional Impact of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can have a profound emotional impact on survivors. It can leave them feeling scared, alone, and helpless. Survivors may experience a range of emotions, including:

1. Fear - Fear is a common emotion experienced by survivors of domestic violence. They may fear for their safety or the safety of their children.
2. Guilt - Survivors may feel guilty for the abuse they have endured, even though they are not responsible for their abuser's behavior.
3. Shame - Survivors may feel ashamed of their situation and may feel that they have failed in some way.
4. Anger - Survivors may feel angry at their abuser for the abuse they have endured.
5. Depression - Survivors may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair.

Coping Strategies for Survivors

Coping with the emotional impact of domestic violence can be a challenging process. However, there are strategies that survivors can use to help them cope with their emotions and move forward with their lives.

1. Seek support - Survivors should seek support from family, friends, and professionals. They should reach out to their local domestic violence shelter or counseling center for help.
2. Practice self-care - Survivors should take care of themselves by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities they enjoy.
3. Join a support group - Survivors can benefit from joining a support group with other survivors of domestic violence. This can help them feel less alone and provide a sense of community.
4. Write in a journal - Survivors can use a journal to write down their thoughts and feelings. This can help them process their emotions and provide an outlet for their feelings.
5. Create a safety plan - Survivors should create a safety plan to ensure their safety and the safety of their children.

Resources for Survivors

There are many resources available to survivors of domestic violence. These resources can provide support, information, and guidance as survivors navigate the healing process.

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline - The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides crisis intervention and referrals to local resources for survivors of domestic violence.
2. National Network to End Domestic Violence - The National Network to End Domestic Violence provides information and resources to help end domestic violence.
3. RAINN - RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) provides support and resources to survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
4. The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.
5. Social Humanity Center, Inc. - At Social Humanity Center, we offer a range of non-profit services for safety against domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and child abuse. We provide legal assistance and referrals for obtaining protection orders, safety planning assistance, assistance with immediate transportation support, and a 24/7 warmline for emergency support. Our compassionate staff is dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and helping them on their journey to healing and recovery.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of domestic violence, we encourage you to reach out for help. You are not alone, and there are resources available to support you. At Social Humanity Center, Inc., we are here to help. Please call us at (480) 915-8153 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our services or to speak with one of our compassionate staff members. We are committed to providing essential services and support to survivors of domestic violence and helping them on their path to healing and recovery.