Traumatic Brain Injury & Domestic Violence
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a type of damage to the brain which can result from the kinds of physical violence that victims may experience including
- when the head hits a stationary object like a table or counter;
- when the head is hit with an object;
- when the head is stabbed; or
- when the head/neck is violently shaken. Brain injuries can also occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen, as can occur through strangulation or asphyxiation. TBIs can have profound and long-term impacts on a victim’s physical, cognitive and emotional well-being.
All of these are acts of physical violence that can be perpetrated against survivors of domestic violence, and unfortunately many survivors experience repeated injuries and do not seek medical treatment. Indeed, TBI’s are more common amongst survivors of Intimate Partner Violence than the general population. However the exact numbers are unclear.
There are helpful resources available for victims experiencing TBIs as well as advocates:
The intersection of brain injury and domestic violence (New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
Intersection of BI and DV_TA Publication_FINAL
Link: https://vawnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/files/2016-10/IntersectionBrainInjuryDV.pdf
An emerging understanding: brain injury deeply impacts domestic violence survivors (Ohio Domestic Violence Network)
An emerging understanding: brain injury deeply impacts domestic violence survivors – Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Traumatic Brain Injury and Intimate Partner Violence (Brain Injury Research Center)
IPV TBI Fact Sheet_BIRC.pdf
Link: https://www.brainline.org/sites/default/files/IPV%20TBI%20Fact%20Sheet_BIRC.pdf
Understanding Domestic Violence as a Cause of TBI (Brian Injury Association of America)
Understanding Domestic Violence as a Cause of TBI – BIAA
Link: https://biausa.org/public-affairs/media/domestic-violence-as-a-cause-of-tbi
Intimate Partner Violence/Domestic Violence and Brain Injury – What Survivors Need to Know (Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey)
BIANJ_DV_BRO2_8.5x11_v3R.pdf
Link: https://www.bianj.org/wp-content/uploads/BIANJ_DV_BRO2_8.5x11_v3R.pdf
For those seeking help or additional information about TBIs can contact The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey
The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey
Link: https://www.bianj.org/
Intersection of BI and DV_TA Publication_FINAL
Link: https://vawnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/files/2016-10/IntersectionBrainInjuryDV.pdf
An emerging understanding: brain injury deeply impacts domestic violence survivors – Ohio Domestic Violence Network
IPV TBI Fact Sheet_BIRC.pdf
Link: https://www.brainline.org/sites/default/files/IPV%20TBI%20Fact%20Sheet_BIRC.pdf
Understanding Domestic Violence as a Cause of TBI – BIAA
Link: https://biausa.org/public-affairs/media/domestic-violence-as-a-cause-of-tbi
BIANJ_DV_BRO2_8.5x11_v3R.pdf
Link: https://www.bianj.org/wp-content/uploads/BIANJ_DV_BRO2_8.5x11_v3R.pdf
The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey
Link: https://www.bianj.org/