Domestic Violence and Mental Health Judith Fitzsimons Domestic Violence Co-ordinator Hackney Domestic Violence Team

What is Domestic Violence? "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults* who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality." * An adult is defined as any person aged 18 years or over. Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, and grandparents, whether directly related, in laws or stepfamily. However, 16 – 18 year olds living independently would be included if domestic violence is a feature of their life.

What is mental illness? Mental illness “Term generally used when someone experiences significant changes in their thinking, feelings or behaviour. The changes need to be bad enough to affect how the person functions or to cause distress to them or to other people.” ISPS: International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychology, http://ispsuk.org/?p=312

What is mental illness? “If a person has always had a problem in their thinking, feeling or behaviour, then this is not usually called mental illness. It may then be called a developmental problem or a difficulty with their personality (sometimes called a personality disorder).” ISPS: International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychology, http://ispsuk.org/?p=312

DV and Mental Health “People with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence.” The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2012

DV and Mental Health Depression: A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma.

DV and Mental Health “Women who have experienced domestic violence have higher rates of mental illness.” “ 64% experience post-traumatic stress disorder, 48% have depression, and 18% attempt or commit suicide.” Women’s Aid 2012

DV and Mental Health “The risk for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder associated with intimate partner violence was even higher than that resulting from childhood sexual assault.” Jacquelyn C Campbell, “Health Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence,” The Lancet, April

Can Mental Illness Cause Domestic Violence? What do you think?

Can Mental Illness Cause Domestic Violence? The vast majority of people with mental health problems do not abuse other people. If an abuser is careful about when, where and to whom they are abusive then they are showing sufficient awareness and knowledge about their actions to indicate they are making choices about their behaviour. If an abuser is random and unpredictable, being abusive to strangers as well as people they know (eg in public and in the workplace), then mental illness may be a possibility. Women’s Aid 2012

DV and Mental Health Even if the abuser is experiencing mental illness, it still doesn't mean anyone must put up with abusive behaviour. In these situations, it is important that the safety of survivors is prioritised and that the person experiencing mental distress obtains the professional care they need.

Domestic Violence The perpetrator is always solely responsible for the abuse. Domestic violence is learned intentional behaviour. Domestic Violence is chosen behaviour.

Beliefs in Society Whilst responsibility for the actual violence is the perpetrator's alone, there are belief systems in our society that perpetuate abusive attitudes and make it difficult for women and children to get help. These include: Blaming the victim for the violence Putting the 'family' before the safety of women and children Tolerating the use of violence Privileging men over women and children's needs Treating domestic violence as a private matter Women’s Aid 2012

DV and Mental Health “It is important that we also recognise the resourcefulness and many strengths that battered women use in addressing their health problems and domestic violence… Any assessment and intervention with abused women needs to respect their autonomy and be offered in a spirit of advocacy and collaboration as well as concern for their health and safety.” Jacquelyn C Campbell, “Health Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence,” The Lancet, April

Hackney Domestic Violence Team Offer free confidential advice, information, advocacy and support around Domestic Violence Anyone who lives, works or studies in Hackney Team of 4 support officers, 5 counsellors MARAC Co-ordinator Referral line : /