Newswise — Physicians and mental health professionals are becoming increasingly concerned about the needs of victims of domestic violence. The April issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter reports that an average of 1 million women are physically and mentally abused annually by a current or former intimate partner. Studies show the majority of these women are single, separated, poor, or have limited education.

Domestic violence is a difficult subject to talk about with anyone — friends, family, doctors, or professional counselors. Many women feel ashamed, confused, or uncertain about coming forward with their problem. Professionals often shy away from asking a woman if she is a victim of domestic violence because of the belief that it would be crossing personal boundaries.

According to the Harvard Mental Health Letter, nearly one-third of reported assaults result in mental health counseling. The most common psychiatric syndromes that afflict women after domestic violence are depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies show that treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, self-help groups, and stress management can be effective ways to treat women with these disorders.

The paper includes suggestions about ways to detour men from committing domestic abuse. For example, restraining orders, mandatory counseling, and feminist psycho-education can help stop men who behave violently or those who have been accused of domestic violence in the past.

Source: Harvard Health Publications