1. domestic abuse & complex needs
WEST MERCIA WOMEN’S AID

2. 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

3. 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.

4. ‘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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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