HIGHLIGHTING AN INVISIBLE BRAIN INJURY
One in three women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Most will also suffer a brain injury as a result of the abuse.
When you consider most physical abuse involves blows to the head, face, neck, and strangulation, it’s not surprising. But while sports concussion dominates news headlines, little attention is paid to how common brain injuries are among survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).
SOAR (Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research) is a multi-disciplinary, community-engaged, research initiative that began as a collaboration between the University of British Columbia (UBC) – Okanagan and Kelowna Women’s Shelter in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
What is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)?
The term intimate partner violence (IPV) describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former intimate partner or spouse.
IPV is also known as domestic abuse or gender-based violence, and is a major public health concern that destroys lives, devastates families, and affects communities around the world.
One in three women will experience IPV in her lifetime.
In Canada alone, it’s estimated 230,000 women between 20 and 54 will experience severe violence at the hands of an intimate partner every year.
The federal Department of Justice estimates the annual costs associated with IPV exceed $7.4B.
What is a Brain Injury (BI)?
A Brain injury (BI) is an alteration in brain function caused by external forces, or a reduction in oxygen supply. A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury caused by a hard blow or jolt to the head, neck, or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
In intimate partner violence (IPV), a concussion can happen from a variety of causes, including being:
- Punched, or hit with an object.
- Violently shaken.
- Pushed down stairs.
- Thrown out of a moving vehicle.
A new study from @umontreal says victims of intimate partner violence (#IPV) are 12 times more likely to suffer a brain injury (#BI) than athletes or members of the military, yet their treatments vary...
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Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign. How can you help combat GBV? Check out “16...
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MYTH! In FACT, it can take time for symptoms to appear, and many women who’ve experienced multiple episodes of intimate partner violence (#IPV) live with chronic brain injury (#BI) symptoms for man...
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It’s estimated 230,000 women in Canada suffer severe physical violence at the hands of a partner every year. As many as 92% may also experience #BI. To learn how to support a friend or family membe...
Read MoreIn addition to symptoms such as dizziness & headache, #concussions can cause mood swings, #anxiety, memory issues, & #depression. For more information on managing mental health symptoms after...
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Kudos to Rachel Ramirez @OhioDVN, Dr. Luke Montgomery, and Dr. Julianna Nemeth @OSUPublicHealth for their excellent op-ed in the @washingtonpost and continuing to spread the word on #IPV-related #BI! ...
Read MoreRecently, we spotlighted @QMUNITY’s work addressing the different types of abuse that may appear in same gender couples. This time we want to highlight their pamphlet “Safety in Relationships - Tr...
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A #concussion is not just a physical injury. It can also negatively affect mental health. For ways to improve your mental health after a #BI, check out this page from @braininjury_CAN #IPV #selfcomp...
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Huge congratulations to Mary Fowles for winning a 2022 Webster Award for Legal Journalism for her piece in the Tyee about the hidden public health crisis of brain injury (#BI) from intimate partner vi...
Read MorePodcast: Listen in as @ccriadoperez delves into the research (or lack thereof) on concussions in women, including an interview with a woman who is still recovering from her own intimate partner violen...
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Are you a queer person living in #BritishColumbia? We are still looking for #research participants to take part in a short survey on their experience living with #BI Questions? Email tori.stranges...
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New from our friends @cesopenko and @EnigmaIpv — the Global Knowledge Exchange Network (GKEN)! The GKEN aims to provide a safe space for service providers to share their experiences & knowled...
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Another fantastic article about #IPV from the @globeandmail. It’s heartening to see one of the recommendations about what Canada should do about this issue is educate health care workers to recogniz...
Read MoreRT @endvawnetwork: As the first #PurpleThursday observed in Canada, today we bring awareness to the critical issue of IPV and its connecti…
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RT @CCN_RCC: Save the date 🗓️📌 The Canadian Concussion Network-Réseau Canadien des Commotions 3rd Annual Meeting will take place June 15-1…
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RT @braininjury_CAN: The intersection between brain injury & intimate partner violence is higher than most people know. Today is the launch…
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RT @Kmason10: Thanks for the focus on this critical issue @endvawnetwork and the link to @CanadaSoar
Read MoreRT @DrvanDonkelaar: Thanks for the shout out! @CanadaSoar
Read MoreMuch of the discussion around intimate partner violence (#IPV) involves cis, heterosexual couples, but abuse can happen in any relationship. For information and guidance specifically tailored to th...
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New course offering from our friends @braininjury_CAN for health care professionals who wish to strengthen their knowledge of #BI. Click here to register: #frontlineworkers #IPV #concussionrecovery...
Read MoreSoar Is Supported By:
