WRITTEN REPORT

Domestic violence is a social problem that is affecting a wide range of women, children

and men in society. As a result our group was interested in becoming more knowledgeable

about the theme 'Domestic Violence'. The group comprises 5 members who explored

different topics relating to domestic violence namely:, " What are the effects of domestic

violence on the mental health of its victims?, "Why do victims of domestic violence stay with

their abusers?", "Can abusers in a relationship change?", "What are the effects of domestic

violence on children?" and "What are the effects of domestic violence on its victims?".

To communicate, a WhatsApp group was created where we discussed SBA related

matters. To complete the Written Report, one member composed it and the others examined

and edited mistakes. Each member sent three artefacts in the group and of the fifteen

collected, the three most competent artefacts that showed a link on how domestic violence

can get worse were used to develop information on our theme. These are: “Symptoms of

Domestic abuse", by Toby Goldsmith, A YouTube audio " The effects of Intimate partner

violence on mental health" by Einsteinhealth and an online image from medium.com by

oluwajobi.

"Symptoms of Domestic abuse" is an online article that taught the group that domestic

violence can lead to negative effects on victims such as flashbacks. This artefact helped the

group to view domestic abuse as a more serious issue.

“The effects of intimate partner violence on mental health" is an audio that taught the group

about why victims are most likely to remain in abusive relationships such as the abuser
telling the victim not to leave or else he/she will kill him/herself. This audio helped the group

to understand the emotional terror victims face.

Artefact 3 is a poster which shows a child surrounded by words that denotes the effects

of domestic violence on children. Some of these words were 'Anxiety' and 'depression'. This

taught the group about how domestic violence affects children emotionally, which results in

many destructive behaviours.

As a group we concluded that something needs to be done about domestic violence to

protect each other from its damaging effects. We want to implore victims to recognize the

signs and get help because domestic violence leaves scars that may or may not heal. The

experience working in the group was awesome, we learnt new things about English Language

and it was easier to get the task done than when each member was doing their work

individually.

Symptoms of Domestic Violence

Abusive relationships have a powerful psychological impact on the victims. And while
domestic violence is not a mental health condition formally recognized by mental health
professionals as warranting its own diagnosis, victims of domestic abuse can have many of
the following symptoms.

Many victims of domestic violence may qualify for a mental health diagnosis, such as
depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The longer domestic violence occurs,
the more likely a victim will qualify for a mental disorder diagnosis as its negative effects
continue to grow. Few victims come out of a domestic violence situation emotionally (or
physically) unscathed. The best thing a victim of domestic violence can do for themselves is
to recognize the signs and get help.

Symptoms of Domestic Violence

Victims of an abusive relationship may experience some of the following emotions and
behaviours:

Agitation, anxiety and chronic apprehension

Constant state of alertness that makes it difficult for them to relax or sleep

A sense of hopelessness, helplessness or despair because the victim believes they will
never escape the control of their abuser

Fear that one cannot protect oneself or one’s children. This person will turn down the
assistance offered by relatives, friends or professionals.

Feeling paralyzed by fear to make decisions or protect oneself

A belief that one deserves the abuse is responsible for the abuse

Flashbacks, recurrent thoughts and memories of the violence and nightmares of the violence

Emotional reactions to reminders of domestic violence

Physical Symptoms

Victims of domestic violence can also have physical symptoms that aren’t directly caused by
physical abuse. These symptoms are instead caused by the constant stress and tension of
living in an abusive relationship. These symptoms include:

Headaches

Asthma

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Chronic pain

Restless sleep or inability to sleep

Pelvic pain

Back pain

You may also be interested in learning more about these symptoms by reading the article,
The Physical & Emotional Injuries of Domestic Violence.
The Common Pattern of Domestic Violence

In 1979, psychologist Lenore Walker found that many violent relationships follow a common
pattern or cycle. The entire cycle may happen in one day or it may take weeks or months. It
is different for every relationship and not all relationships follow the cycle — many report a
constant stage of siege with little relief.
This cycle has three parts:

1. Tension building phase

Tension builds over common domestic issues like money, children or jobs. Verbal abuse
begins. The victim tries to control the situation by pleasing the abuser, giving in or avoiding
the abuse. None of these will stop the violence. Eventually, the tension reaches a boiling
point and physical abuse begins.

2. Acute battering episode

When the tension peaks, the physical violence begins. It is usually triggered by the presence
of an external event or by the abuser’s emotional state—but not by the victim’s behaviour.
This means the start of the battering episode is unpredictable and beyond the victim’s
control. However, some experts believe that in some cases victims may unconsciously
provoke the abuse so they can release the tension, and move on to the honeymoon phase.

3. The honeymoon phase

First, the abuser is ashamed of his behaviour. He expresses remorse, tries to minimise the
abuse and might even blame it on the partner. He may then exhibit loving, kind behaviour
followed by apologies, generosity and helpfulness. He will genuinely attempt to convince the
partner that the abuse will not happen again. This loving and contrite behaviour strengthens
the bond between the partners and will probably convince the victim, once again, that
leaving the relationship is not necessary.
This cycle continues over and over, and may help explain why victims stay in abusive
relationships. The abuse may be terrible, but the promises and generosity of the honeymoon
phase give the victim the false belief that everything will be alright.

https://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-of-domestic-violence

https://youtu.be/Se6slFGL5QA

https://images.app.goo.gl/4toWeQmA9HcgmRDbA