Researchers find link between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury

According to a recent study done in the US, survivors of domestic violence showed signs of traumatic brain injury.

As per a recent study done by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute, Arizona, USA there is a link between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury. The findings could have important implications in the treatment of domestic violence survivors both in medical and social service communities.

Survivors of domestic violence often report traumatic brain injury issues.(Shutterstock)

Lead researcher Zieman said, “Head injuries are among the most common type suffered in domestic violence, which can lead to repetitive brain injuries that often have chronic, life-changing effects, much like what we see in athletes.”

Adding, “We found that 88 percent of these victims suffered more than one head injury as a result of their abuse and 81 percent reported too many injuries to count.”

read more

Domestic violence is not a male monopoly, women too can be responsible

Daughters-in-law, minors can be tried for domestic violence, says SC

In the research, a specialty programme has been established to address traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the domestic violence survivor.

The programme is believed to be the first of its kind in the US.

Zieman and her team performed a retrospective chart review of more than one hundred patients seen through the programme to obtain data for this research.

While concussions have been a significant topic in sports, Barrow has taken special interest in concussions and domestic violence.

Experts say that women, who previously suffered silently, are becoming more aware of the real issue of concussions from their abuse.

The Barrow programme provides both medical care and social service assistance for homeless victims, who have sustained a TBI as a result of domestic violence.

It was created after Barrow social worker Ashley Bridwell and physicians identified a three-way link between homelessness, domestic violence and TBI.

Experts say that women, who previously suffered silently, are becoming more aware of the real issue of concussions from their abuse. (Shutterstock)

The medical team has found many victims are suffering from a full spectrum of side effects that can lead to the loss of a job, income and eventually homelessness.

“This is the third chapter in the concussion story,” said Zieman.

Adding, “First it was veterans, then it evolved into professional athletes, and now we’re identifying brain injuries in victims of domestic violence. And, unlike well-paid football players, these patients rarely have the support, money and other resources needed to get help.”

The eventual goal of the research is to expand brain injury awareness and offer treatment more readily into the care of the domestic violence survivor, both in and out of the shelter.

Additional research is underway to further investigate the severity and long-term effects of injuries sustained in this population.

The research was published in the July issue of Journal of Neurotrauma.