Interpersonal violence (IPV)—which includes sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence—is a devastating issue rooted in power and control. While it affects people of all identities and backgrounds, individuals in marginalized communities often face unique and systemic barriers when trying to access safety and support. The intersection of IPV and mental health is both profound and complex, demanding a trauma-informed and multidisciplinary response.

The mental health consequences of IPV are widespread and severe. Many studies highlight how common depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are among victims and survivors. A meta-analysis published in Trauma, Violence & Abuse in 2020 found that 81 percent of sexual assault survivors exhibited significant Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms within one week, and 75 percent met diagnostic criteria after just one month. PTSD can include flashbacks, hypervigilance, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, and night terrors.

Substance abuse is also deeply intertwined with IPV. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, between 40 and 60 percent of IPV incidents co-occur with substance abuse. Survivors—regardless of gender—are at elevated risk of suicidal ideation and attempts. Additionally, many victims of domestic violence may suffer from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to aggressive shaking, blows to the head, strangulation, or falling/being thrown to the floor. TBIs can decrease cognitive functioning, cause memory loss, and impair vision and/or hearing.

Mental illness can be both a consequence of violence and a factor that increases vulnerability. People with mental health conditions may face greater difficulty in recognizing abuse, setting boundaries, or accessing supportive services. Furthermore, abusers may target individuals with mental illness specifically because they are less likely to be believed or supported. Survivors with mental health challenges are often met with skepticism and stigma, making it even harder to access help or advocate for their safety.

It's equally important to reject harmful narratives that excuse abusive behavior as a byproduct of mental illness. While someone’s trauma or mental health struggles can inform their behavior, they do not justify harming others. Abusing others is a choice, and accountability and support are both necessary: healing must be holistic.

For many survivors, the journey to recovery is obstructed by systemic gaps, often rooted in sexism, racism, and classism. If a survivor is grappling with mental health challenges but cannot access therapy, housing, or basic healthcare, their ability to escape or recover from violence is severely limited. Without stable resources, they may remain in cycles of abuse not because they want to, but because they feel they have no other choice.

To meet these complex needs, collaboration between IPV advocates and healthcare providers is crucial, and access to healthcare for survivors is paramount. To help meet this need, The Center for Empowerment and Education is going to be launching an Extended Therapy Program, designed to expand access to long-term, trauma-informed mental health care.

By recognizing the connections between mental health and interpersonal violence, and responding with empathy and coordinated care, we can build a system that believes survivors, supports their recovery, and promotes lasting, survivor-centered change.

For more information, please visit https://thecenterct.org.