Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October 2025

Everyone deserves to live in a home that is their sanctuary, free from violence and intimidation. Yet for millions of people around the world, home is a prison. The month of October is dedicated to raising awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and to show support and solidarity with its victims. The global initiative serves not only to raise public consciousness but also to allow survivors to feel seen and supported. By actively engaging in conversations and advocating for change, the campaign helps empower victims and fosters a community of care and understanding.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a pervasive and deeply harmful experience, yet its psychological consequences are often overlooked or misunderstood. IPV takes a huge emotional and psychological toll on its victims, often leaving long-lasting scars that extend far beyond the physical injuries.

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

One of the most significant psychological effects of IPV is the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Studies show that victims of IPV experience trauma similar to survivors of war or natural disasters. According to a 2023 study by McGarry et al., nearly 60% of IPV survivors meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD a condition marked by flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing. The constant threat of violence, manipulation, and control creates chronic fear, leading to persistent anxiety and distress. This hyperarousal state often becomes so ingrained that victims find it difficult to feel safe, even in situations that would be considered non-threatening. Survivors avoid certain places, people, or activities, further isolating themselves from sources of support and reinforcing feelings of helplessness.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are also common in those who’ve experienced IPV. Victims can often experience a prolonged sense of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, leading to clinical depression. Research conducted by Bergen (2022) suggests that: intimate partner violence can increase the risk of developing depression by as much as 40%, particularly when the abuse involves emotional or psychological manipulation. Abusers often undermine their partners’ self-esteem, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a loss of identity. Victims of IPV may develop anxiety, panic attacks, or social anxiety due to the constant fear and unpredictability in their relationships. The constant monitoring and control by the abuser leave victims feeling trapped and frightened of the future.

Cognitive and Emotional Consequences

IPV has a significant impact on cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making. A study by Cummings et al. (2021) found that survivors of IPV often experience “cognitive fog,” where their ability to concentrate, remember important details, and make decisions becomes impaired. This is often caused by the stress response and the psychological manipulation that many abusers use to confuse and destabilize their victims.

Emotionally, many victims report feeling disconnected from their own feelings, as they are forced to suppress their emotions in order to survive. Over time, this emotional numbing can lead to difficulties in recognizing and processing their emotions, which complicates their journey toward healing.

Effects on Self-Esteem and Sense of Identity

The psychological damage of IPV often extends to a victim’s sense of self-worth and identity. Abusers commonly use tactics such as gaslighting, belittling, and isolating to undermine the victim’s confidence and create dependency. According to Dutton and Goodman (2023), this manipulation can lead to a fractured sense of identity, where victims doubt their reality and abilities. Over time, they may internalize these negative beliefs, contributing to a damaged sense of self and an inability to trust their own instincts.

Hope for Healing

While the psychological consequences of IPV are far-reaching, it is important to know that healing is possible. Research highlights the effectiveness of trauma-informed therapy, which integrates an understanding of the impact of violence and abuse into treatment. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) have helped survivors process their trauma, rebuild their emotional resilience, and restore their mental health.

For many victims, the journey to recovery involves not only healing from trauma but also rebuilding their sense of identity and self-worth. Counselling and trauma-informed care are essential in helping individuals regain their autonomy and confidence.

Support networks, including social services, advocacy groups, and mental health professionals, play an integral role in providing victims with the resources and emotional support necessary for recovery. According to a 2024 study by Smith and Tan (2024), victims who engage with community-based support programs experience lower levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, demonstrating the importance of accessible and compassionate care.

The psychological impact of intimate partner violence is profound and multifaceted. But with the right support and therapeutic interventions, survivors can heal and reclaim their lives. As a counsellor, I have witnessed the resilience of those who have endured IPV, and I am continually inspired by their strength and determination to rebuild their lives.

Support for Women in Singapore

If you are experiencing domestic violence or are concerned for a friend or loved one, there are a range of services and support systems available:

Links

To meet with a professional psychologist or counsellor, call The Other Clinic at 8809 0659 or email us hello@theotherclinic.sg.

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