Research Highlights Long-Term Mental Health Effects of Domestic Violence

A recent study underscores the enduring impact of domestic violence on women’s mental health, revealing that survivors often face persistent psychological challenges even decades after experiencing abuse. The investigation focused on women who endured physical abuse within the scope of intimate partner violence, a common form of domestic violence affecting roughly 30% of women worldwide. Such abuse frequently includes traumatic brain injuries, yet until now, the long-lasting consequences on brain health have received limited research attention.

Led by Professor Willie Stewart of the University of Glasgow, the Drake IPV Study analyzed data from the PREVENT Dementia Study across multiple centers. The study involved 632 participants aged between 40 and 59 at the time of recruitment. Findings indicated that 14% of these individuals reported a history of domestic violence involving physical abuse. Comparatively, those with such histories exhibited higher rates of traumatic brain injuries and were more likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and PTSD throughout their lives.

Remarkably, the increased risk of ongoing mental health issues persisted even when the abuse had ended, on average, 27 years before assessment. Evidence showed that traumatic brain injuries related to domestic violence increased the likelihood of persistent PTSD symptoms and concurrent mental health disorders in middle age.

Professor Stewart emphasized the public health significance of these findings, stating that domestic violence should be recognized not only as an immediate safety concern but also as a factor with potential long-term repercussions on brain health. Co-author Dr. Graciela Muniz-Terrera highlighted the importance of including domestic violence inquiries in population health research to better understand its enduring impacts.

This research contributes valuable insights into the need for long-term support strategies for domestic violence survivors and calls for further investigation into the neurological and psychological consequences of such trauma.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-reveals-mental-health-impacts-domestic.html