Domestic violence is more than bruises or broken bones. It can leave invisible wounds—fear, shame, flashbacks, and despair. Survivors often live with the psychological effects long after the abuse ends.

This guide explains the emotional impact of abuse and how to access help in Ontario.

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• Trauma is the emotional response to a deeply distressing or threatening event

• In domestic violence, trauma may come from:

  • Ongoing fear of physical harm

  • Psychological manipulation or isolation

  • Sudden, violent incidents

  • Being controlled or stalked

• Trauma can affect your memory, sleep, appetite, self-worth, and trust in others

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• A mental health condition that can occur after experiencing abuse

• Common in survivors of physical, sexual, or emotional violence

• Symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks or nightmares

  • Hypervigilance (constantly on edge)

  • Emotional numbness or disconnection

  • Avoiding reminders of the abuse

  • Panic attacks or sudden mood swings

Not all survivors develop PTSD—but many show trauma symptoms even without a formal diagnosis.

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• Abuse causes chronic fear, which often turns into generalized anxiety

• Survivors may feel:

  • Constant worry or fear for the future

  • Shame, self-blame, or helplessness

  • Difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or making decisions

• Depression is common and may show up as:

  • Feeling numb, tired, or unmotivated

  • Isolating from friends or support

  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (please seek immediate help)

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• The effects of trauma often surface after the danger ends

• Survivors may struggle with:

  • Grief over the relationship or lost time

  • Guilt for “not leaving sooner”

  • Emotional flashbacks triggered by court or child custody battles

  • Difficulty trusting new relationships

Healing is not linear—there’s no wrong way to recover.

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• Trauma-informed counselling

• Peer support groups (virtual or in-person)

• Crisis lines and chat services

• Art, music, or movement-based therapy

• Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and culturally specific healing spaces

• Free/low-cost options available through:

  • Women’s shelters

  • YWCA and CMHA

  • Ontario Health programs

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• ✅ Domestic violence causes invisible wounds—PTSD, anxiety, depression

• ✅ You may feel the impact long after the abuse ends

• ✅ It’s common to feel overwhelmed, numb, or afraid

• ✅ Support is available through counselling and survivor networks

• ✅ You deserve safety, healing, and peace—even if you’re still struggling

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• Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1-866-863-0511 (24/7)

• 211 Ontario – Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca

• Barbra Schlifer Clinic – Trauma-informed legal and counselling services

• CMHA Ontario – Mental health support and therapy programs

• Luke’s Place – Help for women navigating court after abuse

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While they are related, anxiety is often a forward-looking feeling of worry and dread. PTSD is a trauma response that is rooted in the past; its key feature is the "re-experiencing" of the traumatic event through flashbacks and nightmares. You can have anxiety without having PTSD, but PTSD almost always includes symptoms of anxiety.

Yes, this is completely normal. This is called hypervigilance or hyperarousal, and it is a classic symptom of trauma and PTSD. Your nervous system is still stuck in "survival mode" from the abuse. It takes time and often professional support to help your body learn that it is safe now.

A flashback is not just a bad memory. It is an intense, involuntary experience where you feel as if you are reliving the traumatic event in the present moment. It can involve all your senses—you might see, hear, and feel what you experienced during the abuse.

Yes. Several evidence-based therapies are highly effective for trauma. These include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Somatic Experiencing (a body-based therapy), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT).

Yes, absolutely. You do not need a formal diagnosis of PTSD or depression to seek help. If you have experienced domestic violence and are struggling with your emotions, that is more than enough reason to reach out for support.

Your local women's shelter is the best place to start, as they offer free, specialized counselling. You can also contact the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, which provides free trauma counselling. Calling 211 Ontario can also connect you with non-profit community health centres in your neighbourhood that offer free or low-cost therapy.