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24-hour crisis hotlineNot that Simple: Connecting the Dots between Eating Disorders, Trauma, and Domestic Violence
At the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), we acknowledge the critical intersections between domestic violence, trauma, and mental health. Survivors of domestic violence are at higher risk to develop eating disorders due to trauma from violence. We recognize eating disorders as public health issues and stand with survivors who battle eating disorders and other mental health issues caused by domestic violence.
Trauma is a common source for mental health issues, including eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, individuals who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence are at greater risk for developing an eating disorder, particularly bulimia nervosa. Behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa can give survivors a sense of regaining control over their bodies and lives. Additionally, perpetrators will use a victim’s current mental health status to control and intimidate them.
It is important to acknowledge the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, domestic violence, and eating disorders. Survivors may use eating disorder behaviors to cope with symptoms of PTSD such as flashbacks, dissociative episodes, and anxiety. It is not uncommon for survivors of domestic violence to struggle with PTSD due to trauma inflicted by the abuser. Eating disorder behaviors can allow survivors to be distracted from reality, escape painful emotions, or feel present in their bodies.
To those experiencing domestic violence – we believe you. To those struggling with eating disorders – we support you.
Uploaded with permission from: http://nnedv.org/news/5487-not-that-simple-connecting-the-dots-between-eating-disorders-trauma-and-domestic-violence.html on March 21, 2017. This is an abridged version of the original article.
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