How Gender Stereotypes and Stigma Associated with Mental Health & Substance Use Impact Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

This brief report discusses two stereotypes that negatively impact survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in legal proceedings: the stereotype that women who have mental health conditions or substance abuse issues are not credible when disclosing abuse and the conception that women with these conditions cannot also be good parents. The report also discusses ways in which abusers may use these stereotypes to manipulate victims.