Prevalence and rates of depression and anxiety disorders as well as psychological distress are higher for women than for men. Historically women have been considered ‘prone’ to mental illness. ‘Women’s human nature was for years considered biologically given, unmediated by culture or how culture fashioned the distinctive features of a feminine personality.’ Our understanding of the complex interrelationship between mental health issues and family violence has evolved over the years. This has caused an incremental shift, first from the belief that individual psychopathology was the root of the problem, then to an emphasis on family dysfunction or poverty and, more recently, to an analysis of the role played by gender inequality as a causal factor.

The multiple roles that women fulfil in society put them at greater risk of experiencing mental problems than others in the community. There is a complex interrelationship between gender and social inequalities, their impact on women’s experience of partner abuse and women’s subsequent mental illness burden.

Family violence is associated with an increased risk of developing a range of psychiatric conditions or of exacerbating existing ones. Experience of family violence in adult life or exposure to abuse in childhood, often leads to depression, post traumatic stress disorder, self harming behaviour, problematic substance use or suicide. It is also true that rates of abuse and violence are especially high for women diagnosed with serious mental illness, particularly homeless women with serious mental illness. However, it should be noted that while family violence causes considerable emotional pain and impacts upon every aspect of women’s lives, many women living with family violence do not develop mental health conditions.

For those who do, their symptoms, particularly of depression, may resolve when levels of social support, stability and safety increase.

Women living with family violence already suffer from stigmatisation and social isolation. A diagnosis of a mental health condition leads to further negative stereotyping and discrimination and can compound social isolation and exclusion.

Those who have a mental health diagnosis find it even harder than other women to disclose family violence. Frequently, when women with mental health issues seek help, their credibility is questioned or they find that they are unable to access any suitable sources of support, while many fear that their ability to care for their children may be challenged by Child Protection or in Family Court proceedings.

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