Intimate partner violence can push women into substance abuse: Experts

Bengaluru: Intimate partner violence (IPV) not only impacts women's mental health and maternal well-being but also pushes them into substance abuse as a coping mechanism, experts said at a panel discussion at the 10th World Congress of Women's Mental Health here Friday.Stressing the urgent need for IPV screening in maternal healthcare to safeguard both mothers and children, they said it poses significant risks to maternal health, increasing the likelihood of prenatal depression, disrupting mother-infant bonding and affecting infant brain development. Dr Prabhat Chand, psychiatry professor at the Centre for Addiction, Nimhans, said: "Substance abuse is closely linked to IPV. Alcohol and drug use increase the severity of IPV incidents because individuals under the influence often don't realise the gravity of their actions until it's too late. Substance use becomes a coping mechanism. Women, in particular, turn to substances for their numbing effect, seeking relief from emotional trauma. Some substances temporarily dull emotional pain, but over time, they lead to addiction. The mental health consequences of IPV are severe, causing both psychological and physical trauma. Bengaluru, like the rest of the country, has seen rising cases of IPV linked to substance abuse."Dr Ruma Bhattacharya, a psychiatrist, said, "Substance use isn't only linked to mental health issues but also to increased exposure to gender-based violence. The prevalence of IPV among substance-using women is estimated at 40-70%. Women who drink or use drugs often face greater societal stigma, social isolation, and even domestic violence. Many such women suffer in silence because of the stigma."Dr Raquel Costa, a psychiatrist, pointed out IPV significantly increases the risk of prenatal depression, particularly in women with high attachment-related anxiety. "Women who already experience insecurity in relationships are far more vulnerable when exposed to IPV. Our findings show a clear correlation between IPV and heightened depressive symptoms during pregnancy, which can have long-term consequences on maternal and infant mental health," she explained."Many women hesitate to report IPV because of stigma, fear of social judgment and concerns about their children's future. Institutional gaps, such as the lack of trained healthcare professionals equipped to handle IPV cases, further exacerbate the problem," said Dr Digo Lamela, a psychiatrist. He added there is an urgent need for the integration of IPV training in medical curricula to ensure doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals are equipped to provide appropriate support.Panellists also explained the link between marital satisfaction and IPV. "Women in abusive relationships may still report high marital satisfaction because of a lack of awareness about psychological abuse. They often rationalise the abuse, saying, ‘He beats me because he loves me.' This generational trauma normalises violence, making intervention more complex," Dr Sarmishta Chakrabarti, another psychiatrist, said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's Day wishes, messages and quotes !