Women’s Health Week: Addressing domestic violence and its impact on brain injury in women
Women’s Health Week 2024
As we celebrate Women’s Health Week 2024, it’s vital to shine a light on a critical issue that often remains hidden: domestic violence and its concerning link to brain injury in women. Recent studies indicate that domestic violence might be the leading cause of brain injury among women, highlighting an urgent public health crisis that requires our immediate attention and action.
The overlooked impact of domestic violence
Domestic violence is a widespread problem, impacting millions of women across Australia and beyond. While the physical and emotional consequences of abuse are often discussed, the neurological effects are less frequently acknowledged and can be severe. Emerging research suggests that domestic violence can lead to brain injuries, including concussions, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Women subjected to domestic violence are particularly vulnerable to brain injuries due to repeated assaults, which may involve blows to the head or strangulation attempts. These injuries can result in lasting cognitive impairments, emotional instability, and other long-term health issues. The trauma of domestic violence can manifest in ways that are not immediately visible but are profoundly debilitating.
The scale of the problem
Recent research highlights the severity of this issue. A 2018 Australian study on brain injury and family violence found that 40% of domestic violence victims attending Victorian hospitals over a decade had suffered a brain injury. This figure likely represents only “the tip of the iceberg,” given the reluctance of many victims to seek medical care, and the absence of routine screening for brain injury in domestic violence services.
Another 2021 report on domestic violence-related hospitalisations over nine years revealed that head injuries were the most common reason for hospital admissions, with intimate partners responsible for the majority of these cases. Women were found to be much more likely to sustain such injuries than men.
Why are women not seeking help?
Many women who experience violence-related traumatic brain injury do not access health care and support services for several reasons. Often, they are subjected to coercive control or fear that child protection authorities might become involved. The nature of the injury also affects their decision to seek help.
If there are no visible bruises, lacerations, or marks, or if there is no noticeable loss of consciousness, many women may not seek medical attention and instead manage their symptoms independently, or may be unaware of them. This is a dangerous misconception, as lasting brain damage can occur even without visible injuries or loss of consciousness.
Moving forward
As we honour Women’s Health Week in 2024, let’s commit to addressing the hidden epidemic of brain injury resulting from domestic violence. By raising awareness, supporting research, improving care, and advocating for systemic changes, we can work towards reducing the impact of this devastating issue. Every effort counts in the fight to protect women’s health and ensure that those affected by domestic violence receive the comprehensive care and support they need to heal and thrive.
With the federal government’s recent $4.7 billion plan to combat domestic and gendered violence, lets hope that this is a step forward in ensuring there is education and training for support services and routine screening for people with brain injury seeking DV support.
Family and domestic violence support services:
- 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
- Safe Steps Crisis Line (Vic): 1800 015 188
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- Mensline: 1300 789 978
- Lifeline (24-hour Crisis Line): 131 114
- Women’s Crisis Line (NSW): 1800 656 463
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240516160543.htm