That is according to a new UK paper which also highlights the “critical need” for further research into the prevalence, impact and causality of brain injuries in domestic abuse survivors.
Other recommendations in the Disabilities Trust report include further research and development of sensitive, and “trauma-informed” brain injury screening methods, that are appropriate for use with domestic abuse survivors. Also, more brain injury-related training and awareness-raising initiatives are required for all professionals who engage with survivors.
The discussion paper, ‘Brain injury and Domestic Abuse: An Invisible Impact’, calls for a rethink about the support provided to women who have experienced domestic abuse – and that significant consideration is given to the substantial impact of traumatic brain injury commonly sustained through blows to the head or strangulation.
The paper is the result of a roundtable discussion the charity held at the end of last year, which brought together academics and representatives from domestic abuse charities and the NHS to explore links between domestic abuse and brain injury.
The debate followed the publishing of The Trust’s earlier findings of the link between traumatic brain injury (TBI), domestic abuse and female offending.
After a two-year study at HMP/YOI Drake Hall, the Disabilities Trust found nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of women reported having experienced a brain injury. The leading cause of brain injury reported by women was domestic abuse (62 per cent).
From these findings, an additional analysis examined the link between brain injury and domestic abuse, to develop an understanding of the specific needs of these women. Key findings included:
- 72 per cent reported violence as the cause of their brain injury
- 61 per cent of those with a brain injury caused by domestic violence reported having self-harmed, compared to women who reported other causes of brain injury (29 per cent)
- Of those with a traumatic brain injury, 40 per cent had a mental health diagnosis, and women with a brain injury were seven times more likely to have a mental health diagnosis than those without
Alongside other frequently reported factors, such as substance misuse and unstable housing, the need to support women holistically, not just within the Criminal Justice System, is fundamental to improving these women’s lives, the study said.
Additionally, in its 2019 published annual report, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Domestic Violence and Abuse, recommended that all frontline healthcare staff are trained in understanding violence against women and girls.
It also recommended advanced training for professionals who are in frequent contact with survivors, and that domestic abuse and sexual violence are secured as a strategic priority across the health and social care sector.
At a time when some domestic violence charities have reported a 10-fold increase in visits to their website, it is hoped that the findings will open a discussion with Government, and the wider sector, to support the needs of women who have experiences both brain injury and domestic abuse.
Irene Sobowale, CEO of The Disabilities Trust, said: “The briefing further evidences the distressing and traumatic lives of women who have experienced both domestic abuse and brain injury and their increased vulnerability.
“By publishing this discussion paper from the expert roundtable, we hope to explore ways in which we can work together to better support these women and encourage change at the highest level.”
Read more on domestic abuse and brain injury here.
