Women may be affected by domestic violence in many ways:

• Bruising, broken bones, burns, stab wounds, poor health, chronic pain
• Gynaecological problems, sexually transmitted diseases, miscarriages, premature birth, babies with low birth weight, still birth
• Death
• Isolation from friends and family
• Emotional and psychological effects including; chronic fear, panic, anxiety, depression, self harming, eating disorders, misuse of drugs, alcohol or prescribed medication, suicidal thoughts and attempts, sleep disturbances, anger, guilt, insecurity, low self-esteem, lack of trust in one's judgement, hopelessness
• Poor relationships with children; unable to assert one-self or to trust ones judgement and so unable to give children appropriate boundaries
• Difficulty in establishing friendships; after a violent and emotionally abusive relationship, women may have no sense of self worth and so believe no-one would value their friendship or want to be their friend
• Homelessness: having to flee violence and losing one's home and sometimes having to move again after violent ex-partners find them, injuring and further harassing them
• Loss of opportunity, income or work
• Loss of self confidence
• The survivors of domestic violence are at high risk of repeat victimisation. This is partly because violence can continue after separation (especially with continuing contact through children) but also because women, with low self esteem and unclear judgement, can become involved in further abusive relationships.