Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Among the most common, yet often misunderstood, sources of trauma are various forms of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological. Survivors of abuse may live with the after-effects long after the abuse ends, with PTSD becoming a silent, yet deeply disruptive consequence.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
There has been a lot of misinformation about PTSD over the years, leading some to mistakenly associate it with simply having “bad memories” or being overly sensitive. In reality, PTSD is a serious clinical condition characterised by a range of symptoms including, but not limited to:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the trauma
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Negative changes in mood and cognition, such as guilt, shame, or feeling detached
- Hyperarousal, including being easily startled, irritable, or constantly on edge
For survivors of abuse, these symptoms may be especially complex due to the prolonged or repeated nature of the trauma they have suffered.
Unique PTSD symptoms for abuse survivors
While PTSD symptoms vary from person to person, individuals with a history of abuse may face unique challenges. These can include flashbacks during intimate situations, particularly for survivors of sexual abuse. They might also develop emotional numbing or dissociation as a learned survival tactic. Hypervigilance is common in relationships or public settings, alongside significant difficulty with trust and intimacy, often rooted in fear of manipulation or betrayal. Finally, sleep disturbances and recurring nightmares are reported, frequently focused on themes of helplessness.
Healing and recovery
Recovering from PTSD related to abuse is possible, though it requires time, safety, and consistent support. Several effective treatment options are available to help survivors begin and sustain their healing journey.
Trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), are particularly effective in processing traumatic memories and reducing their impact. Medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, may also be prescribed to manage more severe symptoms.
Beyond formal therapy, support groups offer a vital space for connection and understanding. Sharing experiences with others who have been through similar trauma can be incredibly validating and reduce feelings of isolation.
Self-care practices also play a powerful role in recovery. Grounding techniques, mindfulness, journaling, and creative outlets can help survivors reconnect with their bodies and minds, fostering a greater sense of control and well-being.
Above all, it is crucial that survivors are met with compassion, patience, and belief. The trauma of abuse can make even the simple act of asking for help feel like a significant risk. Healing often begins the moment a survivor is truly heard and validated.
Breaking the silence and getting help
PTSD from abuse is more common than many people realise. Research shows a significant number of those who experience childhood or intimate partner abuse will go on to develop PTSD symptoms – yet stigma and silence persist.
Breaking the cycle begins with awareness. By educating ourselves and others about the lasting impact of abuse, we move toward a society that not only helps survivors escape danger but also supports them healing fully.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or the effects of abuse, please know that help is available. Speak to a mental health professional or reach out to local or national support services. Reaching out is a courageous and essential step towards recovery.
How can we help
At Enable Law we have a dedicated team supporting both child and adult survivors of violent crime and sexual abuse in bringing civil claims, helping them to access the funds needed to rebuild their. Our team has helped hundreds of individuals who have survived some of the most difficult experiences at the hands of those who had a duty to care and look after them. If you or a loved one have experienced abuse and want to have a free, confidential discussion with Sally Crawley or a member of the team call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can give you a call at a time convenient for you. Enable Law is recognised by NAPAC, the National Association for People Abused in Childhood and trusted by the charity to provide advice and support to survivors.
