When we think of concussions, sports or accidents usually come to mind first. Domestic violence, however, is another less-talked about risk factor. Part of the problem is that victims often have concussion symptoms that go unnoticed or unreported, and they suffer because of this. We as a community need to talk about and address this problem. In honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want to shed some light on the subject of domestic violence and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and offer some important information on the topic.
Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence Situations Are Shockingly Common
There is no shortage of alarming statistics raising concern about domestic violence and traumatic brain injuries. For example:
- According to a paper published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma in 2019, it is predicted that upwards of 90% of all people that have a history of domestic violence have symptoms and signs of traumatic brain injury.
- Statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) show that 1 in 4 women (and 1 in 9 men) will experience physical violence from their partner.
- ACADV statistics also show that, n average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States—this equates to more than 10 million women and men per year.
- It has been estimated that up to 20 million women could experience TBIs as a result of a domestic violence.
- In one study of 115 patients with a history of head trauma as a result of domestic violence, 88% reported more than one injury and 81% reported a history of loss of consciousness associated with their injuries.
These numbers are shocking, even more so when you consider the reported global increase of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Time reported back in February of this year about growing evidence showing that nationally the pandemic has made intimate partner violence more common and often more severe.
It’s clear that we need to rethink how to help individuals experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV), including when they receive medical treatment. Often when victims do seek medical treatment, they go for other physical injuries—things like broken bones, lacerations and sprains. In one study from the University of Arizona, researchers found that 61% of survivors seeking medical treatment went in for non-concussion injuries and then TBIs were diagnosed at their primary injury.
Signs and Symptoms of Concussions and TBI in Victims of Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence or IPV, here are some signs and causes of concussion and TBI to look for, from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.
Common Symptoms
- Trouble with concentration
- Trouble remembering things
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sleeping too much or trouble sleeping
- Changes in vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Trouble with balance
- Trouble finishing common things you started doing
Acts of Violence That Can Cause Traumatic Brain Damage
- Hits to the face or head
- Hitting the head while falling
- Hitting the head after being shoved
- Severely shaking someone
- Strangulation or choking
- Severe whiplash
October Is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but the Campaign Is Year-round
Since October 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been a nationwide campaign, however, efforts to reduce the violence and help victims go on all year round. The Intimate Partner Violence Working Group studying intimate partner violence–related head trauma was formed in 2021 as part of the international, multidisciplinary confederation Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis (ENIGMA) Consortium. While the group faces challenges in gathering data, it is a great starting point for serious medical study on the issue.
“We here at MAC Alliance take domestic violence very seriously. We recognize that an undiagnosed concussion or TBI is at a much higher risk of being followed by another head injury when domestic violence is involved and not being prevented, and this greatly increases the risk of permanent or long term deficits,” says Dr. Vincent Schaller, Medical Director and Founder of Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance. “Getting these patients to a safe environment is as important as initiating and following the proper therapy plan to recovery.”
MAC Alliance is committed to raising awareness to the underreported and under treated TBIs resulting from domestic violence and to helping victims. We will be revisiting this issue and offering more information throughout 2022 here on our blog, and on social media. Below are resources for more information and assistance.
Domestic Violence Resources:
National Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
The hotline offers 24/7 confidential help for anonymous callers nationwide. Online access: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
RAINN
Call 808-656-4673 (HOPE) or live chat at rainn.org
Both the hotline and live chat offers 24/7 confidential help for anonymous persons and is accessible nationwide. They also offer support in Spanish.
Pink Concussion
Pink Concussion is a non-profit organization working to provide research and support for women injured from concussions. They have multiple support groups and a domestic violence task force that is working towards creating more research about domestic violence and concussions.
VAWnet
The “Understanding the Intersection: TBI and DV” page is a clearinghouse of resources from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence for medical professionals and others working with or in contact with domestic violence victims.
Delaware-Specific Resources
YWCA Delaware
Recovery Inc (Delaware)
Latin American Community Center (Delaware)
— Reporting by Nicole Schaller
[Originally posted on 10.28.2021]
[Post updated on 10.27.2022]
