domestic abuse & complex needs WEST MERCIA WOMEN’S AID

Domestic abuse and mental health issues go hand in hand Assumptions about ability to work with services and keep themselves and children safe Discrimination when applying for refuge or other accommodation Mental health exploited by the perpetrator – others buy into these beliefs, including professionals

Common issues: anxiety depression panic attacks PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) agoraphobia, social phobias OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) self harm eating disorders body dismorphia substance dependency post and perinatal depression.

‘significant’ mental health problems May be too high needs for Refuge May not cope in emergency housing May be too high needs for hostel places May be difficult to attend group support programmes May be difficult to take on board key themes and safety planning

Help break down barriers Mental health will be affected to some extent   Domestic Abuse and Mental Health are linked How we ask is important Supply accurate and full referral information Question a diagnosis to make sure it’s correct Don’ make assumptions

Janis’s Story Naive and unprepared for life as a single woman Self-esteem impaired by failed attempts at romance Simon seemed to be the answer to my dreams Could and would not disclose and did not know where to go Felt ‘out of place’ in refuge and groups Felt other services (i.e. sexual health) were inaccessible Found it difficult to talk to younger support and health professionals Needed time to build rapport and talk about what had happened Found solace and support in survivor group with women of my own age

Help women like me, by: Not believing we are ‘past it’ because we are a certain age Publicising services at places we are likely to be Bearing in mind we are a different generation and may need time and trust to talk about intimate and sexual abuse Making us believe that services are set up for us too More ‘single’ woman accommodation please Supporting us at appointments we might find difficult – GP, sexual health clinics etc. Don’t expect all of us to be electronically ‘savvy’. More help with partners who have developed dementia More support / survivor groups for older women