Examining the Relationship Between Trauma and Mental Health Among Survivors of Domestic Violence in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

Domestic violence remains a major public health and human rights concern with profound psychological consequences for survivors. This study examines the relationship between trauma and mental health among survivors of domestic violence in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of intrusive memories, emotional distress, hyperarousal, and social withdrawal on survivors' mental health outcomes. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population comprised 165,800 adults in the study area, from which a sample of 380 participants was selected using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation at a 0.05 level of significance, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between intrusive memories, emotional distress, hyperarousal, social withdrawal, and adverse mental health outcomes among survivors of domestic violence. Participants experiencing persistent traumatic memories, emotional instability, heightened physiological arousal, and social isolation reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and impaired psychosocial functioning. Qualitative findings further revealed that stigma, fear of disclosure, and limited access to trauma-informed mental health services exacerbated survivors' psychological challenges and delayed recovery. The study concludes that unresolved trauma remains a significant predictor of poor mental health among survivors of domestic violence. It recommends the expansion of trauma-informed counselling services, routine mental health screening, strengthened community-based psychosocial support programmes, and continuous capacity building for social workers and mental health professionals. These measures are essential for improving survivors' psychological well-being and facilitating sustainable recovery in underserved communities. Key words: domestic violence, Trauma, Mental Health and Survivor.

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