HIGHLIGHTING INVISIBLE BRAIN INJURIES

One in three women around the world (44% in Canada!) will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. Most will also suffer a brain injury (BI) 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 still dominates news headlines, little attention is paid to how common BI is among survivors of IPV.

Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR) is working to change that. Based in the Okanagan Region of British Columbia, Canada, SOAR is a registered charity, and the only non-profit organization in the country with a singular focus on IPV-BI. We work with researchers, health care providers, and community partners to explore the intersection of BI and IPV, and apply scientific evidence to increase awareness, and improve supports and services for survivors.

Our Year Ahead

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.

Brain injuries can also happen due to strangulation, which cuts off blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Nearly half of women survivors have been strangled. It’s a common cause of brain injury in IPV, and a strong indicator of future fatality.