Living without hope:
Improving mental health responses for survivors of domestic abuse
The Living without hope report brings together compelling evidence outlining the devastating, far-reaching and long-lasting impact of domestic abuse trauma for survivors, and for those women who sadly feel they have no option but to end their own lives.
The report provides an overview of the current research, legislative and policy landscape, highlighting gaps in support for survivors and how limited awareness and inadequate responses perpetuate harmful and often life-threatening outcomes.
The report makes several recommendations and presents an overview of Woman’s Trust’s person-led, trauma-informed model of therapeutic support.
Key findings
- Domestic abuse is a key driver of women’s mental ill health, self-harm and suicides
- The lack of mental health support for domestic abuse survivors has devastating consequences
- The response of statutory services, including mental health, remains inadequate and ineffective
- Mental health support for survivors is not a priority for policy-makers or commissioners – nationally or locally
“Women need to feel there is hope for a better life – we are not just what our abusers tell us we are. I felt hopeless and suicidal … the support I received has stopped me going mentally ‘mad’ and I feel I’m not alone. I’m not suicidal and I can see hope now.”
Domestic abuse survivor supported by Woman’s Trust
