A groundbreaking Indian study has found a strong link between maternal domestic violence and the rise of depressive disorders in adolescents, underlining a deeply concerning public health issue. Researchers discovered that adolescents exposed to their mother's abuse - whether emotional or physical - are at significantly higher risk of long-term mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

The findings point to a critical gap in how domestic violence is viewed—not just as a women’s issue but as a multi-generational mental health crisis. Children who witness or are indirectly exposed to violence within the household often internalize trauma that manifests later in life, particularly during the vulnerable adolescent years.

Experts emphasize the need for trauma-informed interventions, school-based mental health programs, and support systems that don't just focus on victims but also their children. The study calls on policymakers to integrate mental health care into domestic violence response efforts, ensuring that adolescents aren’t the silent sufferers in cycles of abuse they never chose.