HIGHLIGHTING AN INVISIBLE INJURY
One in three women will experience intimate partner violence. Most will also suffer a brain injury.
When you consider most physical abuse involves blows to the head, face, and neck, it’s not surprising. But while sports concussion dominates news headlines, little attention is paid to how common brain injury is 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.
Get The Facts
What is 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 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 BI 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.
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Read MoreWe are looking for input from healthcare professionals who work with people who have experienced a brain injury. Please follow the link below to fill out the survey. #TBI
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Read MoreWe’re so grateful for the generous financial support from the government of Canada that allows us to do this important work exploring the intersection of brain injury and intimate partner violence. ...
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RT @DrvanDonkelaar: I’m fortunate to have one of these students, @naomi_mr_, working with me on the @CanadaSoar project investigating blood…
Read MoreDid you know? You should seek immediate medical care if you experience loss of consciousness after a brain injury. This is a red flag for what could be a very serious brain injury
Read MoreDid you know? You should seek immediate medical care if you experience severe or worsening headache after a brain injury. This is a red flag for what could be a very serious brain injury.
Read MoreBlake Nicol is our SOAR Spotlight of August. His research is on behaviour change theory. He researches behaviours of staff at women's shelters with regards to screening for brain injury as well as und...
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Did you know? Confusion and disorientation can be a symptom of a brain injury. If you see someone confused and disorientated after hitting their head, they have likely received a concussion and should...
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Read MoreDid you know? You should seek immediate medical care if you experience seizures or convulsions after a brain injury. These are both red flags which could signify a very serious injury.
Read MoreDid you know? Difficulty remembering new information can be a symptom of a brain injury. Writing down or repeating information can be a helpful strategy for remembering information.
Read MoreDid you know? About 7 in 10 victims of police-reported intimate partner violence had physical force used against them.
Read MoreSoar Is Supported By:
