UNSEEN SCARS:

THE INTERSECTION OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

The Dissolution Advocates NW | LLC

It is estimated that a majority of intimate partner violence (IPV) victims suffer from blunt force trauma to the head, neck and the face area. Injuries to head and neck are among the major causes for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

A recent review found that head trauma and neck strangulations caused by perpetrators are prevalent enough to be classified as an injury mechanism for TBI. IPV victims suffering from TBI complications exhibit additional adverse health effects, such as anxiety, depression, dizziness, and headaches.

Intimate partner violence often occurs behind closed doors making it difficult for outsiders to detect. Similarly, brain injuries can also be invisible and lead to lasting symptoms and difficulties without physical signs. Moreover, intimate partner violence is significantly underreported for reasons such as the shame and stigma attached to it, the fear of disbelief, the desire to maintain a family unity and a lack of awareness about what constitutes abuse, leading victims to perceive it as normal. Many women who have sustained brain injuries from intimate partner violence may not recognize these challenges as related to brain injury complicating diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Eve Valera is an associate professor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and a research scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital. She has been working in the field of domestic violence for nearly 25 years, and is recognized internationally for her work in understanding the effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) sustained from intimate partner violence (IPV).