Serious psychological consequences

The collapse of mood (Anxiety and Depression).

Prolonged exposure to devaluation and fear generates profound psychological damage.

Victims are at very high risk of developing generalized anxiety disorders, panic attacks and specific phobias, such as agoraphobia (fear of leaving home), which is often secondary to the social control imposed by the perpetrator.

In parallel, depression sets in not only as sadness, but as a state of hopelessness and total apathy.

It is crucial to understand that the low self-esteem presented by these women is usually a consequence of the abuse and not necessarily the previous cause; systematic abuse destroys the self-image to the point of convincing the person of her own worthlessness.

Harmful Coping Mechanisms (Substance Abuse)

Faced with unbearable emotional pain and a suffocating reality, many victims seek chemical escape routes.

The development of dependence on psychotropic drugs (anxiolytics, sedatives, antidepressants), often prescribed to treat physical symptoms without addressing the root of the problem (the violence), is common.

Others resort to alcohol or illegal drugs as a form of self-medication to "anesthetize" emotions and momentarily escape from domestic terror.

Unfortunately, the abuse of these substances diminishes cognitive capacity and decision making, lulling the victim and making it even more difficult for her to devise an exit plan or seek effective help.

Suicidal ideation as an escape

The most tragic consequence of psychological abuse is the risk of suicide. When the victim is isolated, psychically exhausted and convinced that there is no way out (learned helplessness), death may begin to be perceived as the only possible way out of eternal suffering.

Studies indicate that half of battered women have considered suicide at some point, and a quarter have even attempted it.

This risk does not always disappear with the breakup; hopelessness and after-effects may persist, so vigilance and specialized psychological support are vital even aft