Brain injury research in domestic violence is limited; however the targeting of head/face in assaults makes the likelihood of brain injury greater in those exposed to domestic violence. They may also have increased exposure to repeated brain injury.

Brain injury has an immediate cognitive, emotional, and physical consequence with lasting and potentially permanent repercussions. Single or repeated brain injury may make it more difficult to think effectively, be physically healthy, seek help, identify and utilize resources, make sound decisions, and be interpersonally effective. Individuals with brain injury may appear to be disorganized, aggressive, temperamental, or confused and have physical symptoms such as headaches, changes in vision, hearing loss, or difficulty with balance. If these symptoms are misunderstood the individual may not get the needed help or may be inappropriately classified.

In a 2018 project Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska worked with domestic violence programs which screened individuals entering their program. 58% of those screens were positive for potential brain injury. 91% reported sustaining brain injury due to being hit in the head or strangled and 31% endorsed multiple events where their head was struck, or they were strangled. 88% reported some functional difficulty and/or physical symptomology related to the incident.

Learning Objectives:

•  Participants will be able to identify and define brain injury signs and symptoms.
•  Participants will describe the intersection of brain injury and intimate partner violence.
•  Participants will understand strategies which help individuals with brain injury.