Intimate Partner Violence, Domestic Violence, and Brain Injury

We’re here to help. Call us at 1-877-TBI-FACT (824-3228)

Recognizing Brain Injury from Abuse

Intimate partner violence (IPV) can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially from physical assaults like blows to the head, strangulation, or shaking. Survivors of domestic violence (DV) may not always realize they’ve sustained a brain injury, as symptoms can be subtle and overlap with emotional trauma. It’s important to recognize the signs of a possible TBI, which can include:

  • Physical Symptoms: Persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, trouble with balance, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or noise.

  • Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, slowed thinking, or trouble completing familiar tasks.

  • Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, or feeling unusually agitated.

  • Sleep Issues: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping much more or less than usual.

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms following physical abuse, it’s important to seek medical attention. Brain injury can have long-term effects on your health and well-being, and early diagnosis is key to getting the right care.

75% of IPV survivors reported at least one TBI. 50% reported more than one.

Safety Planning

Creating a personalized safety plan is crucial for anyone in an abusive situation, and survivors with brain injury may face additional challenges when planning for their safety. Consider these steps as part of your safety plan:

  • Communication: Share your situation with trusted friends, family members, or a counselor who understands the potential effects of brain injury. They can help you remember important details and provide emotional support.

  • Memory Aids: Use a notebook, smartphone, or app to record essential information, such as emergency contacts, medications, or steps in your safety plan. Having these reminders can help you stay organized if memory issues arise due to a brain injury.

  • Emergency Exits: Identify safe locations and exits in your home in case you need to leave quickly. If you experience dizziness or balance issues due to a brain injury, make sure the path to safety is clear and accessible.

  • Medical Records: Keep a copy of your medical records related to brain injury in a safe place. These can help doctors understand your condition if you need urgent medical care.

  • Legal Protections: Consider working with a legal advocate who understands the complexities of brain injury and domestic violence. They can help you navigate protection orders and other legal options.

Remember, it’s important to seek help from professionals trained in both domestic violence and brain injury to ensure your safety and well-being.

Self-Assessment: Could You Have a Brain Injury?

Answer the following questions based on your experience after an incident of physical abuse. If you answer "Yes" to several of these questions, it may be important to seek medical advice. This tool is not a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis, but it can help identify potential symptoms of a brain injury.

  • Physical Symptoms

    • Have you experienced frequent headaches since the abuse?

    • Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing up?

    • Have you had any issues with balance or coordination?

    • Are you more sensitive to bright lights or loud sounds than before?

    • Do you sometimes feel nauseous without a clear reason?

  • Cognitive Symptoms

    • Have you had trouble remembering recent events or conversations?

    • Do you find it hard to concentrate, focus, or follow through with tasks?

    • Has your thinking felt slower than usual, or do you struggle to make decisions?

    • Have you had moments of confusion, feeling disoriented, or being unsure of what’s happening around you?

    • Do you feel like it's harder to solve problems or complete tasks that used to be easy for you?

  • Emotional/Mood Symptoms

    • Have you experienced sudden or unexplained changes in mood, such as feeling angry, anxious, or sad?

    • Do you feel more irritable or frustrated than usual?

    • Have you been withdrawing from social activities or isolating yourself?

    • Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or fearful more often than before?

    • Have you had any unusual feelings of depression or hopelessness?

  • Sleep Issues

    • Have you been having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?

    • Are you sleeping much more or less than you did before the abuse?

    • Do you wake up feeling unusually tired, even after a full night's sleep?

  • Physical Injuries Related to Head Trauma

    • Have you experienced any direct impacts to your head (e.g., being hit, shaken, or thrown)?

    • Have you ever lost consciousness after being physically harmed?

    • Have you noticed bruising, swelling, or tenderness around your head, neck, or shoulders?

    Behavioral Changes

    • Have you noticed changes in how you interact with others, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive?

    • Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks or decisions?

    • Have you had difficulty communicating or finding the right words in conversations?

    What Should You Do Next? If you answered “Yes” to several of these questions, you might be experiencing symptoms of a brain injury. We encourage you to contact a healthcare professional or reach out to the BIASC helpline at 1-877-TBI-FACT (824-3228) for more information and support. Early diagnosis and care are critical for brain injury recovery.