Endurance of a violent and abusive relationship or situation is a traumatizing experience. In addition to abuse and violence, abusers often use cruel intimidation, threats, and humiliation in order to maintain a sense of power over someone. People who have sustained a traumatic event or a period of ongoing abuse and violence may physically heal long before they achieve emotional healing and mental stability.

It is common for survivors of abuse, assault, trauma and violence to feel somehow isolated from the world around them. Their experiences put them at risk for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other stress-related mental conditions. Furthermore, some survivors may feel guilty or somehow responsible for the abuse they sustained.

Though anyone can be a victim of abuse, assault or violence, women and children are more likely to experience these types of traumas. An astounding number of women encounter traumatic violence/abuse at least once in their lifetime, though the majority of assaults go unreported to authorities. Furthermore, children who regularly witness assault or violence are more likely to follow similar patterns in adulthood.