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) works to change that through a unique, multi-disciplinary research collaboration between University of British Columbia – Okanagan and Kelowna Women’s Shelter.
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.
We love promoting excellent work being done on the public health issue of BI from IPV. This new workshop series courtesy of our friends at @OhioDVN is designed specifically for advocates, and it is co...
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Most women who experience #IPV will also suffer a #BI. It’s a change in brain function often caused by a concussive blow or by strangulation, which is very common in #IPV and is a red flag for fut...
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Introducing Jaskarn! 💙 At SOAR, Jaskarn focuses on #IPV and #BI, particularly as they relate to South Asian women in the lower mainland, BC. A huge thank you to Jaskarn for all her amazing work...
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Speech, motor control, and spatial awareness are examples of neurocognitive functions that can be affected by #BI. 🧠 It’s pretty critical stuff, which is why we’re so passionate about explorin...
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When working with survivors of IPV-caused BI, it’s important to use trauma-informed practice (#TIP) and language. Learn more about supporting survivors by taking the @cattonline for women’s suppo...
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In cases of #IPV, a #BI can happen from a variety of causes, including being: 🔹 Punched, or hit in the head with an object 🔹 Violently shaken 🔹 Pushed down stairs 🔹 Thrown fro...
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The adapted HELPS brain injury screening tool makes it easier to identify potential #BI among women survivors of #IPV. It’s a fantastic way to start the conversation and guide survivors to support...
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Tips on supporting someone with BI: 🔹 Organize their tasks into smaller sections 🔹 Go to the store for them 🔹 Declutter, organize, and dim lights at home 🔹 Accompany them on short walks w...
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A potential abuser may: 🔹 Insist on the relationship moving quickly 🔹 Seem 'too good to be true' 🔹 Block you from seeing friends, and family members For information on #IPV, head to ... #...
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So-called 'sexual minorities' are disproportionately affected by #IPV. This includes people who are gay, lesbian, transgender, intersex, non-binary, and more. For information and resources for 2SLGBT...
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@jonathan_smirl @DrvanDonkelaar 🙌
Read MoreSOAR co-founder and PI, @drvandonkelaar recently presented recommendations to BC's Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of BC's budget consultation. Learn more at ...
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The SOAR team is delighted to see the important topic of IPV-caused BI put before the House of Commons. The committee recommends the Government of Canada provide funding for research into IPV-caused B...
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@MitziDeanBC @ubcokanagan @GraceALore Thank you for coming!
Read MoreThere are countless supports available at shelters and transition houses across Canada. These include food, accommodation, counselling, children's programming, advocacy, and more. To find a women...
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Abusers tend to target their victim's head, face, and neck more than anywhere else on the body. Brain injury from IPV can happen as the result of: 🔹 Being hit (slapped, punched, etc.) in the fa...
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If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence (#IPV), there are resources nearby to help. For help with shelter, safety planning, and other support, contact: @endvawnetwork #...
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Read this fantastic article by Yvonne Roberts for @guardian on strangulation, a frighteningly common form of intimate partner violence (#IPV). "All strangulation of women is serious -- and it's time ...
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Have you heard about the upcoming event, "Shining a Light on the Unseen”? 💫 Book your spot for a small donation of $10. There’s also free registration for those needing an accessible option. ...
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@DrvanDonkelaar 🙌🙌
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