Domestic violence is more common in Florida than many people think. Unfortunately, when many people think of domestic violence, they think of physical abuse. However, domestic violence is a much more complex issue than that. There are many different types of trauma that can someone who is in an abusive relationship can experience.
Acute trauma
When you’re exposed to a single incident of domestic violence, you might be experiencing acute trauma. This type of trauma is more common with physical abuse. Acute trauma can also include sexual abuse and emotional/verbal abuse. This kind of trauma can make it hard for someone to think clearly or function normally.
Complex trauma
If you’ve been in an abusive relationship for a long time, or if you’ve experienced multiple incidents of domestic violence, then you might be experiencing complex trauma. Complex trauma can be very damaging and can affect many areas of your life. It can cause problems with trust, self-esteem, and relationships.
Chronic trauma
Chronic trauma is when you’re in a situation that continuously exposes you to domestic violence. This can include emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. It can also refer to someone who is chronically exposed to another’s traumatic experience, such as a child witnessing their mother being abused repeatedly.
These kinds of trauma generally have a more long-term impact on someone’s life. For instance, people who experience complex or chronic trauma may be more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. They are also more likely to have other mental health problems and disorders.
While there can certainly be physical injuries from domestic violence incidents, there are also many mental health impacts to consider. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Florida, it’s important to make sure that they seek help immediately to change the course of their life.
