Domestic Violence

Behavioral Health located in Glendale, AZ

More than 10 million people in the United States suffer from some form of domestic violence every year. Annalyn Rasul, PMHNP-BC, and Amber Nassif, FNP-C, of Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services in Glendale, Arizona, understand the devastating impact abuse within the home can have on victims. They offer compassionate care and practical advice to help people exit abusive relationships and recover from their effects. Call Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services to inquire about confidential domestic violence support or book an appointment online today.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic or intimate partner violence is a widespread problem for many people in what should be the safe environment of their own homes. One partner controls the other through their actions and words, asserting dominance through abuse rather than building a trusting, cooperative relationship.

Victims endure years of emotional abuse in addition to suffering physical harm, torture, and the threat of further action at the perpetrator’s whim. Domestic violence can have severe effects on mental health, causing or contributing to numerous psychiatric disorders.

What conditions are linked to domestic violence?

Common psychiatric conditions domestic violence can cause or worsen include:

Anxiety disorders

People living in fear of a violent partner are often overly anxious and stressed. This leaves them vulnerable to generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Domestic violence victims often develop complex (chronic) PTSD. They experience flashbacks to traumatic events, disturbing nightmares, and extreme anxiety.

Depression

Domestic violence destroys the victim’s self-esteem and promotes hopelessness, intense sadness, and self-loathing.

Dissociation

Domestic violence victims sometimes develop dissociative disorders, disconnecting from their emotions and environment. Dissociation acts as a coping mechanism for victims trapped by a domineering partner.

Substance use disorder

Many abuse victims come to rely on drugs or alcohol to relieve emotional pain.

Other problems that domestic violence survivors often develop include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and self-destructive behaviors.

What help can I get for domestic violence?

The Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services team offers domestic violence therapy — specialized counseling that helps people affected by physical and/or emotional abuse. The team’s highly trained, compassionate therapists have created a safe, non-judgmental space for you to discuss your situation and emotions in complete confidence.

Counseling provides a welcoming environment where you can heal from your trauma, develop coping strategies, and redevelop self-esteem. You can discuss the future and your hopes, develop achievable goals, and receive validation.

Therapy is also available for domestic violence perpetrators. Treatment focuses on the following:

Addressing abusive behaviors
Identifying underlying causes (commonly anger and control issues)
Learning healthy communication
Developing more effective conflict-resolution skills

Counseling can also address domestic violence’s effects on children and other family members.

Domestic violence therapy is typically part of a victim support network. Other sources of help include legal assistance, shelters, and community resources.

Call Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services or book an appointment online today if you need help with domestic violence.

More than 10 million people in the United States suffer from some form of domestic violence every year. Annalyn Rasul, PMHNP-BC, and Amber Nassif, FNP-C, of Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services in Glendale, Arizona, understand the devastating impact abuse within the home can have on victims. They offer compassionate care and practical advice to help people exit abusive relationships and recover from their effects. Call Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services to inquire about confidential domestic violence support or book an appointment online today.