A trans-Atlantic study of over 1,000 women who identified as victims of domestic violence and abuse has revealed shocking implications for Texas women who may seek a divorce because of violence at the hands of a partner. According to the study, women who suffered domestic abuse were three times more likely to develop behavioral symptoms like those of psychotic schizophrenia. The risk doubled in those with a history of child abuse, making them twice as likely to present with depression.
Domestic violence is so prevalent in the U.S. that every minute, an estimated 20 people of both genders are victimized by a partner. While cuts, bruises, scrapes and abrasions heal, the psychological scars are far more debilitating than physical injury, according to the lead author of the study.
An estimated 38 million U.S. women have experienced domestic violence. Roughly 85 percent of all domestic violence victims are women, and three women are killed by a current or former partner as a result of domestic abuse or violence each day. In the study, about one-third of the women interviewed had been victims of domestic abuse. None of the participants had a prior history of depression, a development the study’s authors believe sheds light on the long-term effects of domestic abuse.
When a case involving family violence arises, an attorney might begin by counseling the client on safe havens for the client and the children. If necessary, the attorney may seek a restraining order on the client’s behalf and initiate divorce proceedings. The attorney might consider the best interests, health and safety of the children and the client in determining what judicial and law enforcement avenues to explore to prevent further risk of harm.