Domestic Violence Victims in Shelters: What Do We Know About Their Mental Health?

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between mental disorders, childhood trauma and sociodemographic characteristics was evaulated in women staying in shelters due to domestic violence. The study comprised 59 volunteers, staying in women's shelters in Istanbul due to domestic violence. The structured clinical interview for DSM-IV TR axis 1 disorders (SCID-I), Domestic Violence Data Form, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were applied by a psychiatric expert in face-to-face interviews. Of the cases 76.3% were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder. Post traumatic stress disorder was the most common diagnosis (50.8%). In our study 59% of women had attempted suicide at least once, and 66% of these were found to have attempted suicide after violence started. Previous psychiatric diagnosis and exposure to childhood abuse were observed to be risk factors for suicide attempts. Psychiatric disease comorbidities and suicide attempt were identified at high rates in women exposed to domestic violence.