Breaking the Silence: Domestic Abuse and Its Impact on Mental Health. Written by: Jouri Mubarak Al-Butti

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents involving controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour often by a partner or ex-partner, but it can also be carried out by a family member or carer.

Unfortunately, many young people experience or witness it at home , a place where they are meant to feel safe. It can deeply affect mental health, causing feelings of fear, guilt, and isolation. Raising awareness helps victims realise they are not alone and that help is available.

Mental implications of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can have a severe and long-lasting impact on mental health, and survivors often find it difficult to access the support they need. Being a victim of domestic violence is linked to an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicide. Exposure to traumatic events can lead to stress, fear, and isolation, which may result in depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviour.

A survivor who responded to a Psychological Violence Survey shared:

“This is the form of abuse that still haunts me to this day, almost twenty years later. It has impacted my long-term mental health, ability to trust people, and have healthy relationships. I was a teenager then, and my experience of being gaslighted, manipulated, controlled, and emotionally beaten down destroyed me.”

This testimony reflects the devastating and lasting impact emotional abuse can have on a person’s wellbeing, self-esteem, and relationships (especially for young victims still developing their sense of identity and safety).

For many victims of domestic abuse, one of the major barriers to accessing support is fear , fear of not being believed or taken seriously. This is especially true for male victims. While some male victims experience a positive response from the police, the helpline team frequently speaks to men whose disclosures were dismissed by services or loved ones.

Many men are also deeply ashamed of the abuse they experience. Callers often mention how difficult they find it to be a man talking about domestic abuse: “I feel like I’m a man… I feel like I shouldn’t be in this position.” Some are told that men can’t be victims of abuse. For instance, one victim shared that when he confronted his abuser, she said: “She’s done stuff with shoving and grabbing before. I said: ‘Look, this is abuse,’ and she just laughed at me.”

For male victims from Black and minoritised communities, these obstacles are compounded by language barriers, distrust of the police, fears around immigration status, and a lack of culturally competent services for male victims.

While both men and women can experience domestic abuse, the challenges they face often differ. Women are statistically more likely to experience repeated or severe physical and sexual violence, while men may face greater stigma, disbelief, or limited access to tailored support. Both deserve equal recognition, empathy, and access to safety and justice.

Awareness and prevention

Awareness of domestic abuse begins with education — learning to recognise the signs of different types of abuse and understanding that it is a pattern of controlling behaviour. Another key part of awareness is promoting healthy relationships. By educating young people about what healthy relationships look like, we can help stop abuse before it starts.

For those who experience abuse, prevention also involves creating safety plans and knowing how to access resources such as hotlines, shelters, legal aid, and the police. Victims must be reminded that they do not have to wait for an emergency situation to seek help. If domestic abuse is happening, it’s important to tell someone and remember that you are not alone.

Preventing domestic abuse is something everyone can help with. As a community, we must recognise abuse in all its forms, listen without judgement, act as active bystanders, and never pressure the victim.

Support and hope

Recovery from domestic abuse is always possible, and help is available for anyone who needs it. Whether you are a man or a woman, reaching out to a trusted adult, teacher, or support service can be the first step toward safety and healing. Organisations such as Childline (0800 1111), Refuge, and the Men’s Advice Line offer free, confidential help to those experiencing abuse.

No one should ever feel trapped or scared in their own home. Speaking out and supporting survivors can save lives, rebuild confidence, and remind victims that they are never alone. Together, we can break the silence around domestic abuse and create a future where everyone feels safe and respected.