Intimate partner violence (IPV) has numerous mental health consequences. These consequences include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and low self-esteem. The impact of domestic violence on victims can result in acute and chronic mental health problems. Some victims, however, have histories of psychiatric illnesses that may be exacerbated by the abuse; others may develop psychological problems as a direct result of the abuse. 

Examples of emotional and behavioral effects of domestic violence include many common coping responses to trauma, such as:

• Emotional withdrawal
• Denial or minimization
• Impulsivity or aggressiveness
• Apprehension or fear
• Helplessness
• Anger
• Anxiety or hyper vigilance
• Disturbance of eating or sleeping patterns
• Substance abuse
• Depression
• Suicide

Some examples of these effects also serve as coping mechanisms for the victims.  For example, some victims turn to alcohol to lessen the physical and emotional pain of abuse.  Unfortunately, these coping mechanisms can serve as barriers for victims who want help or want to leave their abusive relationships.