The Hidden Health Legacy of Abuse When Trauma Follows Women Through DecadesBy Joy Wisdom | Founder, Joy Wisdom Trust
The conviction and sentencing of Russell Brand has exposed disturbing realities about sexual predatory behaviour, power and lasting health consequences for women. The courage of those who came forward deserves recognition. But beyond the courtroom, there are questions society and decision makers too often overlook.
What happens to women's health long after abuse?
The bigger conversation that society and governments are still failing to understand or address. Sexual violence, harassment and predatory behaviour can change a woman's life in ways society rarely acknowledges.
We are aware of the words trauma, anxiety and PTSD. Yet the consequences can extend far beyond psychological distress. Those who have experienced sexual violence or prolonged coercion may live with acknowledged symptoms such as disrupted sleep, chronic fear, digestive problems, pelvic pain, depression, difficulties with intimacy and relationships. With a persistent underlying sense of anxiety or feeling unsafe 24/7.
A literal expectation exists, that body and mind naturally return to its previous state simply because immediate danger has ended. Fact is it doesn’t. Biochemically, hormonally internal states continue to influence body systems with ripple effect.
Abuse can undermine confidence, employment, financial independence, relationships and the ability to feel safe. Its consequences may be carried silently for years!
Violence does not always end when the incident ends. Its legacy can continue across decades.
Abuse, Hormones and Women's Health
Chronic stress and trauma can influence the nervous system and the body's stress-response processes. Research identifies associations between traumatic experiences and some menstrual, reproductive and gynaecological health difficulties.
These connections deserve greater attention, particularly when women present with menstrual disturbances, pelvic symptoms or worsening emotional wellbeing being spotlighted during Perimenopause.
Traumatic events are not the sole explanation for conditions such as PMS, PMDD or menopause symptoms. However traumatic experiences contributes by exacerbating women’s health issues, or conditions such as perimenopause, menstrual issues. Why I advocate each woman requires appropriate assessment of her individual health and deep dive into historical circumstances.
The woman experiencing these symptoms may not recognise their connection with earlier experiences. Neither may the professional treating her.
This is why I believe we must connect the dots, expand to the full picture of health as every woman is different in system and body unit function.
Hormones and Women’s Health…Explained in my new book
I explore how women's hormonal, physical and emotional health can interact throughout life. Advocating Awareness. Prepare. Prevent.
At Joy Wisdom Trust, our person-centred Body–Mind–Emotion approach recognises the complexity of these experiences. Our specialist support programmes, including D.A.R.E. - Dissolve and Resolve Emotions (incorporating specialist complex trauma methods) aim to help women process difficult experiences, understand their responses and rebuild emotional confidence.
Professional medical and psychological support remains essential where appropriate.
Violence does not automatically end when the incident ends. Its legacy can continue across decades.
From Joy Wisdom Trust perspective, we must stop viewing abuse solely as an event and begin recognising its wider health consequences.
Women's health deserves understanding, safeguarding, compassionate care and meaningful action.
Joy Wisdom
11.11.2026
Joy Wisdom Author, Menoproof Your Life Through the Decades Founder, Joy Wisdom Trust & Allonus Ltd.
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