Avant Psychiatry Spotlights Domestic Violence’s Mental Health Toll

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Avant Psychiatry is urging people to recognize the emotional harm of abuse and connect survivors with compassionate mental health support. The Marietta, Georgia practice says domestic violence can damage safety, trust and confidence, and that support starts with listening and safety planning.

Why it matters: - Domestic violence can affect a survivor’s sense of safety, confidence, and ability to trust others. - Emotional harm can be present even when there are no visible injuries. - Survivors may need both mental health care and specialized domestic violence advocacy.

What happened: - For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu, Medical Director of Avant Psychiatry, is highlighting the emotional impact of abuse. - Avant Psychiatry is encouraging people to talk more openly about domestic violence and connect survivors with compassionate mental health support. - The practice is based in Marietta, Georgia.

The details: - Intimate partner violence can include physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says survivors may experience mental health concerns, including depression and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. - Avant Psychiatry says people should listen, acknowledge what someone has shared, and ask how they want to be supported. - Suggested responses include: “I’m glad you told me,” “You do not deserve to be treated this way,” “How can I support you?” and “Would you like help finding someone you can talk to?” - Support should respect the survivor’s choices and safety. - Pressuring someone to disclose details, confronting an abusive partner, or insisting on a particular course of action can increase risk. - A domestic violence advocate can help explore options and develop a personalized safety plan. - Mental health care can help people discuss emotional concerns and determine whether therapy, psychiatric care, or additional services are appropriate. - Domestic violence organizations can provide advocacy and safety planning that complement clinical care. - Avant Psychiatry’s message emphasizes dignity and recognizes that each person’s circumstances and care needs are different.

Between the lines: - The campaign is aiming to reduce shame, which can keep survivors from seeking help. - The focus on emotional harm broadens the conversation beyond physical injuries and toward earlier intervention. - The emphasis on listening reflects a low-risk first step for friends and family who want to help but do not know how.

What's next: - Avant Psychiatry is continuing its awareness efforts throughout October. - Community members are being encouraged to make room for honest conversations and direct survivors toward support. - People needing help can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit more information. - If device use may be monitored, help should be sought using a safer device when possible. - For immediate danger, call 911. - More about Avant Psychiatry’s mental health services is available at Avant Psychiatry’s website.

The bottom line: - Domestic violence is a mental health issue as well as a safety issue, and early, compassionate support can help survivors get to care without added shame.