Understanding the Intersections: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse and intimate partner violence can often result in brain injury. When experiencing domestic violence, a person’s brain may be injured by strangulation, falls and/or blows to the head that can cause an acquired brain injury (ABI). While some injuries may be more visible, the consequential effects of brain injury may not be seen immediately and go undiagnosed. Often, brain injury signs and symptoms may not reveal themselves until hours or days after an incident. Because of this, it is important to know the mechanisms of brain injury and the signs and symptoms following damage, so advocates can better meet the needs of victims seeking support. This webinar defines the types of brain injury (ABI vs. TBI), how they may occur (mechanisms), the signs and symptoms of concussion that may be experienced and some recommendations for including brain injury questions in the screening process when working with victims of IPV/DV.