Mental Health << Violence Against Women << womenshealth.gov

Mental Health

Violence can shatter your life in many ways. Being a victim of violence is widely recognized as a cause for mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Being abused also plays a strong role in developing or worsening substance abuse problems. For many women affected, their first abuse occurred when they were children or adolescents. Women victimized as children frequently end up losing custody of their own children due to allegations of abuse or neglect, and over 50 percent of child abuse and neglect cases involve parental alcohol and drug abuse.

A recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that the best way to combat trauma, substance abuse, and mental health problems is through an integrated, holistic approach, taking into account how each individual problem affects the others. To begin, you should try to get help by sharing your experiences and concerns with a service provider who can assist in forming a plan to address all of these struggles.

If you're a victim of abuse or violence at the hands of someone you know or love, or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone. Get immediate help and support.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 800-787-3224 (TTY). Spanish speakers are available. When you call, you will first hear a recording and may have to hold. Hotline staff offer crisis intervention and referrals. If requested, they connect women to shelters and can send out written information.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-656-4673. When you call, you will hear a menu and can choose #1 to talk to a counselor. You will then be connected to a counselor in your area who can help you. You can also visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

Additional Resources

Publications

Women's Mental Health — This special section of womenshealth.gov provides information on taking care of your mental health throughout the different stages of your life. It also links to information on mental health for men, girls, and people with a chronic illness or disability.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/mh/

Answers in the Aftermath — This brochure offers answers to commonly asked questions about post-traumatic stress disorder and how to deal with trauma in the aftermath of events. It provides useful tips for beginning the healing process and gives resources for additional help or information.

http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA05-4027/lovedoneforprint.asp...

Mental Health Services Locator — This Internet site can help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, A Real Illness — Many women suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after events such as domestic violence, abuse and rape. This publication discusses the importance of getting help for symptoms associated with PTSD and it also provides a checklist of the symptoms to understand how the disorder can affect women both physically and mentally.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-a-real-illness/summary.shtml...

What to Do After a Rape or Sexual Assault — This fact sheet lists the steps to take if you, a friend, or a family member is raped or sexually assaulted. It also describes the physical and emotional effects of rape and how you can get help.

http://pathwayscourses.samhsa.gov/vawc/vawc_fs_08.htm

http://www.rainn.org/get-information/effects-of-sexual-assault1

Let's Talk Facts About Domestic Violence (Copyright © APA) — This fact sheet explains what domestic violence is and how to know if you are being abused. It also gives information on how you can get help and leave an abuser.

http://healthyminds.org/multimedia/domesticviolence.pdf

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated January 15, 2009.