As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) urges our communities to reflect on the profound connection between mental health and domestic violence. Our mental well-being shapes every aspect of our lives, influencing how we build relationships, perform at work, and experience a sense of safety and fulfillment. Yet for many survivors of domestic violence, mental health challenges are compounded by abuse, creating complex and lasting impacts.

Mental health shapes how we think, feel, and act. While mental health conditions can arise from a mix of genetics, environment, and life experiences, stigma often prevents people from seeking the support they deserve. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, only about 1 in 2 adults experiencing mental illness receives treatment in a given year. Mental Health Awareness Month calls on all of us to dismantle these barriers and encourage compassion, understanding, and access to care.

When it comes to domestic violence, the stakes are even higher. Domestic violence — a pattern of coercive, controlling behaviors that may include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse — often leaves invisible scars. Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other lasting mental health effects. At the same time, individuals living with mental health conditions may be at greater risk of experiencing abuse.

The numbers remain staggering — and here in New York, they underscore both the scale and urgency of this issue. On a single day in 2024, domestic violence programs across New York served more than 8,000 adults and children seeking services such as emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling. On that same day, over 700 service requests went unmet, largely due to a lack of resources, staffing, or available housing.

These unmet requests represent real people — survivors who may have been turned away from shelter, unable to access counseling, or left without the support needed to safely navigate abusive situations. Compared to the previous year, unmet requests in New York increased significantly, reflecting growing demand and persistent capacity gaps.

National data further reinforces the prevalence of violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the United States have experienced severe intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking. Survivors are left not only to heal physical wounds but also to navigate the long-term emotional and psychological consequences of abuse.

Understanding the intersection between mental health and domestic violence is critical. It requires a holistic approach to support — one that centers trauma-informed mental health care, prioritizes survivor voice and autonomy, and addresses the root causes of violence, including power and control.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, NYSCADV calls on all of us to recognize these intersections and to stand in solidarity with survivors. Together, we can work toward a future where healing, safety, and justice are not out of reach — but fully within our grasp.

Resources for Advocates

• Take the Moment Campaign – Led by National Alliance on Mental Illness, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month campaign focuses on pausing to reflect, checking in with ourselves and others, and prioritizing mental health. The campaign includes social media graphics, messaging guides, and tools to support outreach and awareness efforts.

• Self-Care Toolkit – Recognizing the importance of self-care in sustaining this work, NYSCADV has compiled a collection of resources for advocates and organizations on topics including well-being, resilience, and burnout prevention. This includes webinars, toolkits, and practical strategies to support those doing this critical work.

• Trauma-Informed DV Advocacy Resources – From the National Center on Domestic Violence Trauma and Mental Health, this hub includes webinars, toolkits, and guidance to support advocates working at the intersection of domestic violence, mental health, trauma, and substance use.

Sources & Data Notes

·       New York data: National Network to End Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Counts: New York Summary (2025)

·       National mental health treatment data: National Alliance on Mental Illness

·       National IPV prevalence: National Domestic Violence Hotline