Research Shows High Prevalence of Mental Disorders Among Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

The study analyzed data from more than 7,000 Australians involved in intimate relationships, utilizing information from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study. Participants disclosed experiences of three forms of intimate partner violence: physical, sexual, and psychological (including emotional and financial abuse). They were also assessed for a range of mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use disorder.

Each of the mental disorders examined was found to be more common in individuals who had experienced intimate partner violence, with the prevalence similar across various forms of violence. However, researchers caution that their findings do not establish a direct causal relationship, as the assessment of violence was based on participants' reported experiences while the mental health evaluations reflected current or lifetime conditions.

Additionally, a history of multiple types of child maltreatment was found to increase the risk of mental disorders among victim-survivors, with nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of those reporting such a history meeting mental disorder criteria, compared to 39.1% without a maltreatment history. This highlights the importance of preventing child maltreatment and providing early mental health support.

Despite the high rates of mental disorders among victim-survivors, many do not seek help. Approximately 40% of Australians experiencing physical or sexual violence from a former partner do not pursue support. For those who do seek help, accessing adequate services can be challenging due to high demand and costs associated with mental health care.

Healthcare professionals, including GPs and psychologists, play a crucial role in identifying and responding to intimate partner violence. Effective training and proper guidelines are necessary for facilitating these interactions. Survivors also face potential risks to their privacy when seeking help, especially during legal proceedings, where confidential health information may be subpoenaed. Changes introduced in 2025 aimed to strengthen protections for these records, but survivors must still navigate the complexities surrounding legal assistance to understand their rights.

Preventing violence before it occurs is essential. Experiences of childhood abuse and exposure to domestic violence are linked to a higher likelihood of encountering or perpetrating intimate partner violence in adulthood. Awareness campaigns are needed to educate individuals about early signs of psychological abuse, which may not be immediately recognized as harmful.

For Australians at risk of family and domestic violence, support services are available 24/7, including the National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and the Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491.