Living in an abusive relationship can have devastating effects on the health and wellbeing of a woman. These may include some or all of the following:

Physical Effects:

•    Physical injuries, including broken bones
•    May be embarrassed because of recurring injuries
•    Physical health difficulties due to stress
•    Exhaustion

Psychological Effects:

•    Confusion
•    Confidence depleted
•    Ability to cope affected
•    No self worth/low self-esteem
•    Health effected
•    Depression or mental health difficulties
•    Psychosomatic problems
•    Trust and judgement affected
•    Suicide/suicidal thoughts

Behavioural Effects

•    May become dependent on alcohol/drugs/medication
•    Difficulty forming appropriate relationships with others
•    May become isolated
•    May overcompensate with children
•    May become abusive towards children
•    May become abusive towards self/self – harm