Fact: We already learned in Myth #7 that leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a women as her batterer has then lost most of his power and control over her. But did you know victims of abuse have higher than average chronic health conditions? Survivors testify the psychological wounds outweigh the physical trauma they experienced during the relationship. Consequently, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder haunts many if not most survivors. Sadly, in addition to PTSD, depression, anxiety, asthma, arthritis, digestive disease, fibromyalgia, back pain, diabetes, and various autoimmune disorders among other debilitating impediments, including cancer,  frequently manifest in survivors of abuse, with long term PTSD being the most prevalent.

“This revealed that 100% of the participants had suffered multiple PTSD symptoms during the abusive relationship, with 90% still indicating a multiple prevalence rate. This confirms the assumption that although the situation improves after the abusive relationship ends, almost all the participants remain hampered by factors that relate to PTSD.” Battle-Scars:Long-term effects of prior domestic violence by Dr. Ilsa Evans

Though a survivor may have escaped with her life, the consequences of domestic abuse often last a lifetime. The sooner a victim is able to safely escape and seek out resources to aide in their recovery, the better the survivor’s chances are of experiencing a safe, healthy, and whole life.